British authorities have arrested billionaire Hans Kristian Rausing after finding his American wife, Eva Rausing, dead in the couple’s Chelsea, London home. Eva’s body was found Monday by police who were searching the home in connection with Hans Rausing’s earlier arrest for drug possession. As of Wednesday, Rausing remained in custody of police and was hospitalized for treatment of an undisclosed condition.
Rausing, 49, is heir to the multi-billion dollar Swedish food packaging giant Tetra Pak, which was founded by his grandfather, Ruben Rausing, and built by his father, Hans Rausing Sr. The Rausing family released a statement Tuesday saying they are "deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death” of Eva. The family did not comment on Rausing’s arrest.
Eva’s parents, Tom and Nancy Kemeny, also released a statement asking for privacy. "Eva was a devoted wife for 20 years and mother of four much-loved and wonderful children. During her short lifetime she made a huge philanthropic impact, supporting a large number of charitable causes, not only financially, but using her own personal experiences,” the Kemeny family said. “She bravely fought her health issues for many years. The family is devastated at her death and asks to be given privacy at this difficult time."
Both Hans and Eva battled drug addiction for many years. The couple was arrested in 2008 after Eva was caught attempting to smuggle cocaine and heroin into the United States Embassy in London. In a subsequent search of their home, police found crack, heroin and cocaine. The Rausings avoided prosecution and were issued a warning.
Medical officials performed an autopsy on Eva, 48, on Tuesday, but a cause of death could not be determined. Additional tests are being performed.
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