The Jamaican-born CEO of the Caribbean food franchise Golden Krust Bakery was dealing with financial difficulties before he committed suicide over the weekend, News 12 has learned.

Lowell Hawthorne died from what police say appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Rockland County Industrial Development Agency confirmed it approved the company's application for financial incentives back in 2016 but Hawthorne never closed the deal, which expired in March.

Golden Krust officials released a statement following Hawthorne's death, saying, "Our hearts are broken, and we are struggling to process our grief over this tremendous loss. Lowell was a visionary, entrepreneur, community champion and above all, a committed father, family man, friend and man of faith."

Customers say they will remember Hawthorne most by what he was able to accomplish during his life.

"I am from the Caribbean. It is very good to see him expand the business. He was able to make this into a big franchise," says Anthony Rochester, of Fishkill.