Deciem Founder Brandon Truaxe Has Died Suddenly At Age 40

The creator of skincare company Deciem, Brandon Truaxe, has died at age 40.

Truaxe is well-known for founding Deciem, a skincare company that includes the popular, affordable range The Ordinary. Truaxe made headlines last October when he was ousted from his position as CEO of the company for using its Instagram as a personal platform for his bizarre and erratic rants. Estée Lauder then took over the company and a new CEO was appointed.

A few days after he was removed from his position, a judge issued a restraining order against Truaxe after he allegedly sent emails to Estée Lauder chair emeritus Leonard Lauder and other executives that were viewed as threatening.

The 40-year-old was found dead in Toronto, Canada on Sunday. According to a report in Canada’s National Post, “it is understood he fell from a condominium building near Toronto’s downtown.”

The National Post also reported that police in Toronto responded to a report of a possible suicide in Toronto’s Distillery District on Sunday afternoon, just a few blocks from Deciem’s headquarters. Although the cause of Truaxe’s death hasn’t been confirmed, a police spokeswoman told the publication that the incident was being investigated as non-suspicious and non-criminal.

Concerns were raised over the brand founder’s well-being after Truaxe posted a series of videos on Instagram on Saturday, where he admitted to drinking and openly shared the address of his Penthouse in Toronto.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsjuAtzHAyV/

Vox reported that acting CEO Nicola Kilner revealed the sad news in an email to Deciem’s staff, writing:

“I can’t believe I am typing these words. Brandon has passed away over the weekend. Heartbroken doesn’t come close to how I, and how I know many of you will be feeling.

“All offices, warehouses, factories and stores please close today and take the time to cry with sadness, smile at the good times we had, reflect on what his genius built and hug your loved ones that little harder.

“We are all in disbelief and shock but I will be in touch again very soon. I love you all incredibly much, as did he.”

The company posted the following message on its Instagram:

• Brandon Truaxe
• deciem