Celebrity TV chef Gary Rhodes collapsed and died from bleeding in the brain after returning home in 'happy mood', says family
The family of celebrity chef Gary Rhodes has now confirmed he died from a bleed on the brain after collapsing in his home.
"In order to end painful speculation surrounding the sudden passing of our beloved Gary Rhodes OBE, the Rhodes family can confirm that after a successful day shooting with Rock Oyster Media for ITV here in Dubai, Gary returned home in a very happy mood for a peaceful evening with his wife Jennie," his family said in a statement.
"After dinner, Gary, unfortunately, collapsed in their residence and was rushed to hospital but unfortunately passed away due to subdural hematoma," the statement continued.
"At this time, there are no other details and the family would again request privacy around this very tragic loss and again, thank friends and family for their ongoing support at this time," the statement added.
Speculation was rife that Rhodes may have slipped and banged his head while staying at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Dubai. Chef Vineet Bhatia, one of Gary's close friends who was filming alongside the chef just four days prior to his death, said the star cook had, in fact, suffered a fall.
"I have been told by friends in Dubai that he slipped and banged his head and was then taken to the hospital," the Michelin-starred Indian chef told Daily Mail. "I wish I could have been there for him. He was such a lovely man. So friendly and enjoying his life."
"I remember him telling me last week 'life couldn’t be better'. He was very fit and healthy and this is such a great shock," Bhatia shared. "I remember when he shook my hand, it was so firm and his hug was so tight. This was a man who probably had a six-pack and worked out in the gym."
This came after TV chef Jamie Oliver suggested Rhodes had suffered a "tragic fall." The famed chef wrote on Instagram, "Sadly Chef Gary Rhodes OBE passed away after a tragic fall. My heartfelt sympathies to his wife, kids, friends, and family, sending love and thoughts…"
Jamie later removed "after a tragic fall" from the post.
"It is with terrible sadness that we share the news that Gary Rhodes OBE, TV chef, author, and restaurateur has died suddenly at the age of 59," Rock Oyster and Goldfinch TV shared in a statement.
"Gary was in the middle of filming a wonderful new series with Rock Oyster Media for ITV from his base in Dubai. All at Rock Oyster Media and Goldfinch are devastated by this tragic news. Gary was taken ill very suddenly at home during a break in filming and died a short time afterwards."
"Production was obviously halted as soon as Gary was taken ill and members of the Rock Oyster Team remain in Dubai to support the family as best they can," they added.
Gary's family members first addressed his sudden tragic death in a statement on Wednesday, November 27. "The Rhodes family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of beloved husband, father, and brother, Gary Rhodes OBE."
"Gary passed away last evening, Tuesday 26 November 2019, at the age of 59, with his beloved wife Jennie by his side," the statement read. "The family would like to thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy during this time."
