Death of Dragon's Den winner Drew Cockton 'misadventure'

The businessman, who won funding on the hit BBC business show for his vegan fragrance and candle brand, Owen Drew, was found dead at his Claughton home on the afternoon of October 22 last year, aged 36, after a night out.

A subsequent police investigation concluded there was no third-party involvement in his passing.

A toxicology examination gave a blood alcohol reading two and a half times the limit for drink driving. A mixture of painkillers and prescription drugs was found in his system.

During an inquest at Gerard Majellaa Courthouse in Bootle today (Thursday, March 23), coroner André Rebello revealed that Mr Cockton had died from a 'mixed drug overdose'.

He said: "The amount of medication that would have been taken precludes this being an inadvertent overdose."

The inquest heard that Mr Cockton was last seen alive at around 3am on Saturday October 22. He was described as being "heavily intoxicated" from a night out following the awards show. He was found unresponsive at his home at 12.45pm.

Mr Rebello told the hearing, which was attended by members of Mr Cockton's family: "Drew's life existed for his mother and family.

"He was very much loved and continued to be loved. You cannot have grief without love. The inquest is very much a celebration of his life and the love that still persists."

Drew Cockton, Wirral winner of Dragons Den, passed away suddenly on October 22 last year, aged 36 (Image: Newsquest)

A hand-written note was found nearby, but there was nothing to indicate when Mr Cockton - who, it emerged had a history of bipolar and depression - had written it.

Commenting on the note, Mr Rebello said: "The deficiencies with such notes are they are never time and date stamped, and no one would have any idea as to when such a note was written. However, part of the note, the first page, appears to be thought through.

"Certainly, the note appears to be that from a very loving, caring person who is trying to explain what is going on, and at some stage it would appear there was some intent of fatal harm. Whether it was written that night or previously, I don't know."

Drew triumphed on Dragon's Den after winning a £50,000 investment for his business from Dragon, Touker Suleyman, in 2021.

He later went on to start his candle business, which now has its own firm in Birkenhead and creates natural soy wax candles, soy wax melts and luxurious room mists.

Drew then went on to create the North West LGBTQ+ Business Awards to highlight the contributions made by the LGBTQ+ community in the North West economy.

Drew was also a well-known LGBTQ campaigner and just two days ago was seen holding the second North West LEGBTQ+ Business Awards which he founded in Liverpool's Titanic Hotel.

Drew grabbed the attention of the Dragons after explaining how he opened a hotel business in Manchester at just 22 after quitting his job in financial services.

He later went on to start his candle business which now has its own firm in Birkenhead and creates natural soy wax candles, soy wax melts and luxurious room mists.

Following Mr Cockton's passing, Wirral Globe readers took to social media to express their sadness.

Lesley Butler commented: "Devastating to hear of Drew's passing. Drew touched so many peoples lives .. and was the kindest caring genuine generous person I've had the privilege to know.

"I've known Drew since he was a young boy. Drew was so loved by everyone and my heart is broken. I just cannot believe this beautiful inspirational young man has left this world leaving so many heavy hearts behind. Bless you Drew for all the happiness you shared I will never get over this sadness xxx.

The sad news of his passing was shared by his mother, Kate on Facebook in a post that read: "We are truly, utterly heartbroken to have to tell you that our beloved Drew Peter George Cockton (my gorgeous boy) died peacefully at home.

"We are devastated beyond belief. Life is never, ever going to be the same again. Rest Peacefully darling boy."

Wirral's mayor Jeff Green, who had attended the business awards two days earlier, also paid tribute. In a Facebook post he commented: "Devastated to hear of the passing of this kind, funny and generous soul.

"So relieved I was able to tell him and his mum what a special person he was, can’t believe that was only on Friday - I cannot imagine how Kate Drew is feeling but sending her our love. Rest in Peace Drew Peter George Cockton."