Anthony Bourdain, Chef And Television Host, Has Died At 61

Chef and television host Anthony Bourdain was found dead in a hotel room in France, his employer CNN said in a statement Friday morning. He was 61. The network and a French official said the cause of death was suicide.

"It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain," the network said. "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."

The network said that Bourdain was in France working on an episode of his show Parts Unknown and that he was found by French chef and friend Eric Ripert. CNN's Brian Stelter said Bourdain had hanged himself in his hotel room.

A French prosecutor confirmed that Bourdain was found in the Chambard luxury hotel in the town of Kaysersberg. "At this stage, we have no reason to suspect foul play," Christian de Rocquigny du Fayel was quoted as saying by The New York Times.

Bourdain's death comes just days after fashion designer Kate Spade was found dead of an apparent suicide at age 55. - More, NPR

Anthony Bourdain, Chef And Television Host, Has Died At 61

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