Celebrity chef, author and host of the popular food and travel show Parts Unknown, Anthony Bourdain has taken his own life, according to CNN. Bourdain was 61 years old.
The news network said that he was in France at the time, filming his show.
In a statement, CNN said: “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 rose from being a dishwasher in New York, to a chef, best-selling author and eventually, a TV personality, who was known for traveling to remote locations to highlight communities and restaurants off the beaten path.
Back in 2012, he spoke to RELEVANT about his philosophy of travel and food: “I like to eat what’s good and what’s considered good by the locals where it’s good. If I’m eating pho, I like to eat a good bowl of pho in Vietnam, sitting on a little plastic stool with Vietnam in the background. I want to smell Vietnam, I want to hear it, and I’d like to see it in a perfect world. I think it is a major component of the experience.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, there is help. Visit this website to find resources. And the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255, is available 24 hours a day.
