Toronto Billionaire Philanthropist And Wife Found Dead In Home

By Dave Goldiner December 16, 2017

Canadian police are investigating the mysterious deaths of Barry Sherman, the billionaire philanthropist and founder of Canadian pharmaceutical firm Apotex, and his wife, Honey — and reports say police suspect a murder-suicide.

The two were found dead after police responded to a medical call just before noon at their home in an affluent section of northeast Toronto. Reports say the Shermans were found hanging from a railing near their indoor pool.

“The circumstances of their death appear suspicious and we are treating it that way,” Constable David Hopkinson said.

The Toronto Sun reported Saturday that Honey Sherman may have been killed elsewhere in the mansion — leading police to suspect a murder-suicide, since there was no sign of forced entry.

Sherman, 75, founded the privately held Apotex in 1974. Forbes has estimated his net worth at $3.2 billion.

Toronto Mayor John Tory said in a statement that he was “shocked and heartbroken” to learn of the deaths.

“I hope that investigation will be able to provide answers for all of us who are mourning this tremendous loss,” he said.

“I am beyond words right now,” Ontario health minister Eric Hoskins said in a tweet. “Wonderful human beings, incredible philanthropists, great leaders in health care. A very, very sad day.”

The couple were known as generous donors to Toronto Jewish organizations.—With Reuters

Dave Goldiner is the Forward’s director of digital media. Dave is a veteran journalist who has spent two decades working at newspapers in the United States and Africa. A native New Yorker, Goldiner wrote for the New York Daily News, where he covered some of the biggest stories of our time, including the attacks of September 11, along with thousands of stories of hope and heartbreak. He also studied and worked in Southern Africa and has written for publications in South Africa and Zimbabwe. He holds masters degrees in journalism and public administration from Columbia University. Dave can be reached at goldiner@forward.com, or follow him on Twitter @davegoldiner

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