Millionaire couple found dead at home by daughter as cause of death made public

06 July 2023 , 18:36

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Stephen and Carol Baxter died at their home in West Mersea, Essex (Image: East Anglia News Service)

A millionaire couple were found dead at their home, an inquest heard today.

Stephen and Carol Baxter were found unresponsive by their daughter Ellie Baxter in their home in West Mersea, Essex on Easter Sunday earlier this year.

Paramedics were called to the address but tragically the couple, who were joint directors of bath and shower mat firm Cazsplash, were confirmed dead at the scene. Ellie, 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.

Tests showed both had a powerful drug in their systems.

Carol Baxter had bronchopneumonia, the inquest was told (East Anglia News Service)

But today it emerged a post-mortem examination gave a provisional cause of death for Mrs Baxter, 64, as combined fentanyl and promethazine toxicity with terminal bronchopneumonia. The provisional cause of death for Mr Baxter, 61, was delivered as cardiomegaly and alcoholic liver disease with fentanyl intoxication.

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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.

Inquests into the couple's deaths were opened individually at Essex Coroner's Court in Chelmsford this morning. "On the basis of the information I am satisfied that this requires a full inquest," area coroner Sean Horstead said.

Emergency services dashed to the property but were unable to save the couple (East Anglia News Service)

"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 said it was a "shock to locals", adding: "It is very sad news."

An Essex Police spokesman said officers were called to the address in Victory Road at about 1.30pm on April 9.

Harrison Moore