Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain dies by suicide: Reports
Anthony Bourdain, one of the most celebrated and beloved chef of our time has commited suicide at the age of 61. CNN has confirmed that the lifeless body of storyteller and writer who was regular host of CNN’s cooking shows, was found by French chef and Bourdain’s close friend Eric Ripert in his hotel room on Friday morning.
The celebrity chef was in France working on an upcoming episode of his award-winning CNN series 'Parts Unknown'. The network said in a statement, "It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain. 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."
Bourdain appeared to have taken his own life by hanging himself in his hotel room in Strasbourg, France.
One of the biggest figures in the culinary world, Bourdain won a Peabody Award in 2013 for his show 'Parts Unknown' for "expanding our palates and horizons in equal measure." The judges said in support of their choice of winner, "He's irreverent, honest, curious, never condescending, never obsequious. People open up to him and, in doing so, often reveal more about their hometowns or homelands than a traditional reporter could hope to document."
Bourdain in turn, had an equally honest and simple response to his win. During his acceptance speech the revered chef said,
His death has left a huge loss in the culinary world and many of his colleagues and friends have been mourning is death. Marc Lamont Hill, CNN political commentator, tweeted, “I’m in shock after hearing the news of my CNN colleague Anthony Bourdain’s death. Sending love and comfort to his family and friends.”
Krystal Ball, who has made multiple appearances as a political commentator and Democratic strategist on CNN tweeted, "Floored and heartbroken by suicide of Anthony Bourdain. His show was one of the smartest and most thought-provoking. One of the few places on cable news that celebrated our common humanity. Rest in peace. America, it is time to ask what is behind the crushing suicide epidemic."
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
