An inquiry has learned that the wealthy couple who were discovered dead at home in their recliners had the potent synthetic drug fentanyl in their systems.
On Easter Sunday earlier this year, Stephen and Carol Baxter were discovered unconscious in their West Mersea, Essex, home by their daughter.
Since their deaths were reported, police have initiated an investigation and made many arrests.
Although paramedics had been sent to the Baxter’s residence, the pair, who served as joint directors of the bath and shower mat company Cazsplash, unfortunately died there.
Their daughter, who was with her one-year-old son at the time, immediately suspected carbon monoxide poisoning and threw open the bi-fold doors at the property.
But it emerged this week that a post-mortem examination gave a provisional cause of death for Mrs Baxter, 64, as combined fentanyl and promethazine toxicity with terminal bronchopneumonia.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid which is similar to morphine but up to 100 times more potent.
It is a prescription drug that is also made and used illegally – often as a substitute for heroin.
An investigation has been launched by Essex Police, who yesterday said the deaths were initially treated as unexpected but not suspicious.
A spokesperson added: ‘As a result of an extensive investigation and toxicology analysis, two men and a woman were arrested in order to gain comprehensive accounts from them.
‘They remain in custody for questioning as other enquires are conducted.
‘We continue to remain open-minded as to how the couple died.’
At the inquest this week, the provisional cause of death for Mr Baxter, 61, was delivered as cardiomegaly and alcoholic liver disease with fentanyl intoxication.
Area Coroner Sean Horstead said: ‘On the basis of the information I am satisfied that this requires a full inquest.
‘At the written request of Essex Police, I will suspend the coronial investigation for four months.
‘That will run until Monday, November 6, 2023, no doubt there will be communication from Essex Police from the expiry of that date.
‘I offer my sincere condolences to the friends and family of [the Baxters] during this very difficult time for them.’
The couple founded Cazsplash, which sells corner and curved shower mats, in 2012.
Mrs Baxter had run the business since its inception, having also worked in adult education, while Mr Baxter worked for a real estate firm.
The duo were also both keen members of West Mersea Yacht Club, in Coast Road, which flew its flag at half mast following their deaths as a mark of respect.
Mersea resident John Akker told the Gazette it was a ‘shock to locals’, adding: ‘It is very sad news.’
