Anthony Bourdain, an award-winning chef whose “Parts Unknown” TV series was transformative in the world of travel has died at the age of 61.
Multiple published reports indicate that Bourdain was found dead Friday morning in a luxury hotel room in France in an apparent suicide.
CNN, which aired “Parts Unknown,” confirmed Bourdain’s death on Friday. He had been in France working on an upcoming episode of the TV series when his close friend, French Chef Eric Ripert, found him unresponsive in his hotel room.
“It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague Anthony Bourdain,” CNN said in a written statement. “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.”
“Anthony gave all of himself in everything that he did,” Bourdain’s girlfriend, the actress Asia Argento, wrote in a Twitter post cited by Yahoo News. “His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds. He was my love, my rock, my protector. I am beyond devastated.”
"Anthony was a dear friend," Ripert told ABC News in a statement Friday. "He was an exceptional human being, so inspiring and generous. One of the great storytellers of our time who connected with so many. I wish him peace. My love and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones."
Bourdain is survived by his 11-year-old daughter.
Resources for those in crisis, or those who know someone in crisis, are available at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or at the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.