Dragons' Den has faced its fair share of tragedy, from sudden deaths to health battles and surprising financial revelations.
Dragons Leaving and a Will with No Money
Dragons' Den favourite Touker Suleyman is stepping down after 10 years. The 72-year-old shared an emotional statement last month reflecting on lessons learned. His announcement came after fellow dragon Sara Davies announced her last day. She wrote on Instagram: "Little update from me… As this last run of Dragons’ comes to an end, I have to say I’ve loved every minute of this series so far, and I’m so proud of the businesses I’ve invested in this year."
Freight entrepreneur Hilary Devey joined in 2011 and died in 2022 aged 65 from complications following a severe lung infection. She left no money for friends and family, according to newly released documents. The Daily Mail said: "Newly published probate documents disclose that, in the will made in 2021, she left her large diamond cross to her friend Audrey Mulligan, and her personal effects to her trustees – her son, publicist and lawyer." The will made no mention of any money or holdings.
Sudden Death of a Dragon's Den Online Star
Shaf Rasul rose to fame in 2009 on Dragons' Den Online. He died unexpectedly in February at age 55 after a short illness. A statement from his family said: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Shafqat Rasul. A devoted father to Sohaib and Sarah Rasul, a loving husband to Nabila Rasul, a cherished son of the late Haji Ghulam Rasul and Parveen Akhtar, and a dear brother to Zahid, Shahid, Ashfaq, Ml Abid and Juwariah."
Health Battles of Dragons
Touker Suleyman shared his health struggles after a pitch for a stainless steel pill box in 2023. He said: "I'm on blood thinners, hydrocortisone, cholesterol, you name it and I take it. But I’m healthy. So there is definitely a market for that." He had pneumonia and was hospitalised in 2019.
Peter Jones was rushed to hospital after a flight back home and shared his ordeal with thrombosis in 2022. He said: "I know this is an issue, I was coming back from a flight to Los Angeles and I basically ended up in hospital in Windsor with a tube in my groin and it was without doubt because I wasn't moving for a long period of time, and ever since I've done exactly the same as you, I move all the time." He also suffered from pneumonia, saying: "I had pneumonia. I had been working too hard and got a bit run-down. I got very, very wheezy and had trouble breathing — so much so that I thought I was going to die. I was put on a course of antibiotics."
Deaths of Contestants
Graeme Turner appeared in 2010 seeking £50,000 for 5% of his wallpaper business but left with nothing. Last year, he was found dead in a woodland area in Pwllheli, North Wales, at age 53. Coroner Kate Robertson gave a verdict of suicide. His son paid tribute online: "I have just lost the best, strongest, kindest, most loyal, courageous dad I have ever had and known, he was the godfather the inspiration in my life. I am devastated and that is an understatement."
Drew Cockton won £50,000 investment in 2021 for his luxury vegan fragrance brand Owen Drew. A year later, he was found dead at home. Paris Hilton paid tribute on Instagram: "You were such a light." Touker Suleyman wrote: "Devastated by the sad news , passing away of young entrepreneur Drew Cockton. Drew came to Dragons Den and won my investment in his candle and fragrance business. Young man with drive, passion, business acumen, with plenty of energy. He will be missed by his family and us. Rest in peace Drew."
ICU Nightmare Story
Contestant Paul Westerman appeared in 2022 seeking £50,000 for a life-changing product. He shared a tragedy 10 days before his wedding in 2011: "I had suffered a massive bilateral pulmonary embolism. My doctor told me that I literally collapsed down dead. I don’t remember much else beyond that, save only my fiancé Ellisa saying 'Don’t leave me, stay with me please!'" He collapsed at the office. He said: "The next two weeks were spent in the ICU and were a blur made up of a flurry of scans and blood tests." The wedding was cancelled; Paul was released from hospital on the day they should have been married.
