Slain teen was as an ‘angel of a kid’
Body of 18-year-old found on the Caledon estate of ex-Dragon’s Den star
Police are investigating the death of a teenager on the upscale Caledon estate of former
Dragons’ Den TV personality Michael Wekerle last week.
Det. Insp. Chris Landry of the OPP said Wednesday he couldn’t comment after the body of Tyler Swartz, 18, of Thornhill was found about 7:25 p.m. on Dec. 27 by Caledon OPP at Wekerle’s mansion.
A court-ordered publication ban means he can’t update the media on whether Wekerle was on site at the time of the death, the cause of death or any other specifics, Landry said.
“I can’t comment on anything,” Landry said. “There’s a publication ban in place.
“I’m sorry I can’t be more specific,” he added. On Wednesday, a lock and chain was on the front gate blocked entrance to the 80hectare estate just west of the historic village of Cheltenham.
Signs announcing “Guard Dog on Duty” and “This Property’s under Video Surveillance” were prominently displayed at the entrance to the entrepreneur’s property. Messages on an intercom from the outside gate to the main house were not returned. Neither was an email.
Jonathan Weir, 22, of Caledon was arrested at the scene on Dec. 27 and is scheduled to appear in Orangeville court on Jan. 21 to face first-degree murder charges.
Wekerle, whose website describes him as “a rock star in the world of Canadian finance, known for his shrewd value spotting in the fields of tech, biotech and media,” purchased the Caledon estate in 2010 for $3 million.
The property has been known for its yearly charity concert event, Wekfest, featuring acts such as Snoop Dogg and Sloan.
Wekerle’s website said his other properties include the historic Toronto entertainment venue the El Mocambo on Spadina Ave. He’s also a partner in the Canadian franchise of Wahlburgers — the Bostonbased restaurant chain run by the actor/rapper Mark Wahlberg and his family, his website says.
Wekerle’s site also describes him as “a doting father to six children” who “donates millions of dollars to a wide variety of philanthropic interests.”
Swartz was described to the Caledon Enterprise as an enthusiastic, caring volunteer for Friendship Circle, which helps children with special needs.
He was also a Sheridan College student, worked part-time at a local deli and had hopes of running a fresh water aquarium business.
Esther Grossbaum, co-ordinator of Friendship Circle, told the Enterprise that in 2017 Swartz received the city of Thornhill’s longest standing volunteer award for his service.
“He was a very caring individual,” Grossbaum said. “An angel of a kid.”
Weir was listed as a friend with one of Wekerle’s daughters on Facebook.