A legendary celebrity chef, author and TV host is unfortunately no longer with us. On Friday morning, CNN confirmed that the culinary mind behind its award-winning Parts Unknown travel series, Anthony Bourdain, has died.
“It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain,” reads a statement from the network. “His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.”
According to CNN, 61-year-old Bourdain was found unresponsive in his hotel room by close friend and fellow celeb chef Eric Ripert — who visited Tampa with Bourdain in 2012 during their Good vs. Evil event at the Straz Center’s Carol Morsani Hall — while in France filming an episode of Parts Unknown. The network said the cause of death was suicide.
The gifted, influential globetrotter’s death comes days after the passing of iconic fashion designer Kate Spade, who hanged herself in an apparent suicide earlier this week.
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) is available 24/7 across the United States.
This article appears in Jun 7-14, 2018.