Celebrity chef Carl Ruiz, 44, found dead in his apartment after suffering heart attack in his sleep
Food Network's celebrity chef Carl Ruiz, best known for his roles on shows with friend and restaurateur Guy Fieri, has died of a suspected heart attack. Ruiz, who passed away at the age of 44, appeared on Food Network shows Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives, Guy's Grocery Games and Guy's Ranch Kitchen.
Ruiz's friends confirmed his demise on social media, saying that he died peacefully in his sleep of what is believed to be a heart attack. However, the cause of his death is officially not known.
The celebrity chef's friend, Matt Farah, in a post on Instagram, wrote: "I'm absolutely gutted." Ruiz's longtime pal Fieri also posted a heartbreaking tribute on social media, writing: "I'm heartbroken that my friend chef Carl Ruiz is gone. I have no words to describe what a great friend he was to me and my family. His ability to make me laugh and smile under any circumstances was only outshined by his talent as a chef."
Cuban-American Ruiz previously owned Marie’s Italian Specialities in Chatham Township, New Jersey, with his former wife Marie Riccio. The chef was also widely known for his knowledge of Spanish cuisine. He had also opened a restaurant called La Cubana in Manhattan's Meat Packing district in June. His restaurant's website described Ruiz as "an acclaimed chef, consultant, and magnetic media personality whose down-home persona never fails to entertain, educate, and uplift."
The Food Network star, who served both as a competitive chef champion and celebrity judge, was in the food and restaurant business for over 25 years and he opened eateries across the world during this time period. He also had a successful radio and television career.
The website also stated that Ruiz "headlined world-famous culinary events — and with his well-earned insights, (became) the 'secret weapon' to success for many other star chefs along the way." Whether he was "cooking up Cuban delicacies like Fufu or the classic Elena Ruz Sandwich, offering sage advice to up-and-coming chefs, or critiquing show contestants' finer points of culinary execution, everyone (was) bound to walk away learning something new."
