Drug giant Apotex confirms company founder and billionaire Barry Sherman and his wife Honey have been found dead in their north Toronto mansion.   

(Tom Sandler / Toronto Star)

In a statement issued late Friday afternoon, the company said, ”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.”

Friends like Ontario Health Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins are in shock.

He has tweeted ”Wonderful human beings, incredible philanthropists, great leaders in health care.  A very, very sad day.  Barry, Honey, rest in peace.”

Police are treating the deaths as ‘suspicious’ for now.

Police, fire and paramedics responded to a call to 50 Old Colony Road in the Bayview-401 neighbourhood shortly before noon.

Sherman founded the generic drug maker in 1974 after buying the company from his uncle.

Among the richest people in the country, his net worth has been estimated at close to $5-billion.

The family home was recently put up for sale for nearly $7-million.