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Deciem Founder Brandon Truaxe Dies at 40

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Brandon Truaxe has died at the age of 40, according to an Instagram post shared on Monday by Deciem, the Toronto-based makeup company he founded. A cause of death has not been released.

Truaxe founded Deciem in 2013, a parent company containing over 10 skin and beauty brands. One of the company’s well-known brands, The Ordinary, offers skincare products at affordable prices.

In October, a judge ousted Truaxe from his CEO position at Deciem after Truaxe made claims that the company should be shut down due to “financial crimes,” according to Vox. Nothing substantiating Truaxe’s claims have been made public. The judge also issued a restraining order against Truaxe after he sent what appeared to be threatening emails to Estée Lauder executives. Estée Lauder has a small stake in Deciem.

In November, Truaxe was admitted to a psychiatric hospital after exhibiting odd behavior that was later diagnosed as psychosis, according to the Financial Post. Doctors initially suggested bipolar disorder, however, Truaxe’s lawyers said the psychosis was due to his use of psychedelic mushrooms and crystal methamphetamine. Truaxe denied having a mental illness.

Friends and fans of Deciem’s brands shared their condolences on Twitter.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available. 

Originally published: January 21, 2019
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