Watkins, an accountant who worked for Fastow, said in her August letter that Baxter and then-Enron Treasurer Jeff McMahon had complained about the inherent conflicts of the partnerships.
Lay and Fastow couldn't be reached for comment.
"Sherron Watkins is deeply saddened and stunned at the news of Mr. Baxter's untimely death," her lawyer, Philip Hilder, said in a statement. "She had great respect for him. Ms. Watkins expresses her heartful sympathy and prayers to his family."
"Nobody would ever question his integrity," Taylor said. "He did question the partnerships. His idea was, if it even looks questionable, don't do it."
Baxter most recently sold 191,595 shares, mostly from stock options, during January last year, according to US Securities and Exchange Commission records. The sales proceeds were US$15.1 million, about US$12 million of which was profit to Baxter on the transactions.
Baxter's body was found in a four-door, black 2002 Mercedes Benz sedan, less than 3km from his home, said Pat Whitty, public information officer with the Sugar Land Police Department.
"The `suicide' had occurred very quickly" before officers found Baxter's body, she said. Police are still investigating
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