The founder and chairman of Apotex, Bernard Sherman, and his wife Honey were found dead inside their North York mansion, in Toronto, Canada, on Friday.

The couple recently put up their home up for sale, and a real estate agent, who was preparing the house for an open-house viewing, discovered their bodies. The emergency services were alerted around noon Friday, although Const. David Hopkinson denied affirming who made the 911 call, the Star reported.

Despite the police withholding the identities of the bodies, many friends of the couple and a number of officials confirmed the news of their death.

Apotex released the following statement on Sherman’s death: "All of us at Apotex are deeply shocked and saddened by this news and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time."

According to Forbes, Sherman, 75, was the 12th richest man in Canada and ranked 660th among world’s billionaires, with an estimated net worth of $3.2 billion, as recorded in March 2017. It showed a significant drop from last year’s recorded net worth, which was estimated at $4 billion.

Apart from completing Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Toronto, Sherman also had a Doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Master of Science from the same college.

In 1974, Sherman used his mother’s life savings to buy his uncle’s drug company with initially just a couple of employees and 5,000 square feet of area. However, today, the company employees more than 10,000 workers as Apotex has transformed into one of Canada’s largest pharmaceutical companies.

Apotex sells 260 generic drugs in more than 115 countries, raking in annual global revenue of $1.5 billion. It was considered the sixth largest drug company in the world. Although Sherman stepped down as the CEO of the company, he continued to serve as the chairman.

Honey, who also graduated from the University of Toronto, was a member of the board of the Baycrest Foundation and the York University Foundation. Sherman and his wife have four children together.

Homicide investigators have joined the case, although Sherman and his wife’s death has not been officially ruled as one. The police confirmed there were no signs of any forced entry.

"The circumstances of their death appear suspicious and we are treating it that way," said Hopkinson, BBC reported.

Homicide detective Brandon Price said: “At this point we are not currently seeking a suspect. The situation otherwise is the same. We'll have more information tomorrow after the post mortem examinations.”

Condolences poured in from all corners over Sherman’s sudden and unexpected death.

Canadian President Justin Trudeau tweeted: “Sophie and I are saddened by news of the sudden passing of Barry and Honey Sherman. Our condolences to their family & friends, and to everyone touched by their vision & spirit.”

"I am beyond words right now," Ontario's Health Minister Eric Hoskins said on Twitter. "My dear friends Barry and Honey Sherman have been found dead. Wonderful human beings, incredible philanthropists, great leaders in health care."

Mayor of Toronto John Tory also released a statement: “On behalf of all Toronto residents, I want to express my deepest condolences to the Sherman family. … I am shocked and heartbroken to learn that Barry and Honey Sherman were found dead in their home today. I have had the privilege of knowing them both well for many years.”

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