Eva Rausing death: Parents to launch drugs foundation

The family of Eva Rausing, who was found dead in her west London home, have said they will launch a foundation in her name to help drug addicts.

Police discovered the body of the 48-year-old in Cadogan Place, Belgravia, on 9 July. She was married to Tetra-Pak carton firm heir Hans Kristian Rausing.

Mrs Rausing's parents said they hoped her "difficulties" with addiction would raise awareness of drug challenges.

Helping addicts was a "major defining endeavour" for her, the family said.

Police are treating Mrs Rausing's death as "unexplained", and a post-mortem examination failed to establish a formal cause of death.

Mr Rausing, 49, has been charged with preventing the lawful and decent burial of her body.

'Battled their demons'

In a statement, her family said: "The Kemeny family is deeply distressed by the tragedy of their daughter Eva's death and have seen the widespread worldwide media coverage of her difficulties over the last few days.

"Eva would have wanted the memory of her life to be used to benefit others facing similar addiction challenges in their lives."

Police are treating Mrs Rausing's death as "unexplained"

Mrs Rausing's father, Tom Kemeny, said his daughter had interrupted her own drug treatment to help Mr Rausing.

He wrote: "At the time of her death her over-riding concern was for the safety of her beloved husband, for whom she interrupted her own treatment to return to London in an attempt to take him back with her to California, but tragically to no avail."

Mr Kemeny described his daughter as "a beautiful, generous, and fun daughter, wife, mother, sister and aunt" and described Mr Rausing as his "son".

He said: "Eva and Hans Kristian adored each other and their four beautiful children.

"When not in London they would have family holidays with their cousins and extended family, without any glitz or glamour.

"Eva and Hans Kristian were a devoted and loving couple for the 21 years they spent together. They benefited thousands of lives through their personal involvement and philanthropic activities.

'Defining endeavour'

"They bravely battled their demons and supported each other, and Eva will be a devastating loss to our beloved 'son' Hans Kristian, whom we love unconditionally with all our hearts."

Mr Kemeny said his daughter's love for her children dominated her life.

He said: "The love she had for her children was the most dominant theme in her life, and one which occupied her every day.

"Even in the depths of her despair she always worried more about the happiness and well-being of others."

Mrs Rausing began experimenting with drugs in her late teens to overcome her shyness, Mr Kemeny said.

After she first recovered from drug addiction in the 1980s, Mrs Rausing went on to work with numerous drug charities, including Action on Addiction.

Mr Kemeny said: "After attending many drug rehabilitation centres in the USA and the UK, Eva finally recovered in the late 1980s.

"Her recovery was strong and, as is customary in the 12-Step Programme, she went around London and the UK sharing her life and experiences to explain that recovery is possible and to give hope and support to others.

"This became a major defining endeavour in her short life: to help others, especially those with drug addictions."