RIP Anthony Bourdain

CNN has confirmed the death of American chef, author, and television personality, Anthony Bourdain, who was 61 years of age. It was confirmed that the cause of death was suicide.

By Juanita Pienaar

8 Jun 2018

#Newswatch: The news of his death comes after Bourdain was found unresponsive in his hotel room on Friday morning. He was in Strasbourg, France to shoot an upcoming episode of his award-winning CNN series, Parts Unknown. "It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain," the broadcaster said in a statement on Friday.

#AnthonyBourdain took us around the world. Allowed us to see what food, culture, and people were on places thousands of miles from us. He allowed us a birds-eye view and we knew we could explore the rest. Many of us made that a reality. Suicide is real, y’all. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/8FgQa4HdVQ
— PrestonMitchum (@PrestonMitchum) June 8, 2018

Bourdain was perhaps best known for writing his best-selling book called, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, a behind-the-scenes look at restaurant kitchens. In it, he wrote about his personal misdeeds and weaknesses, including drug use.

Such sad news today!! As a young chef this was the book we all borrowed, read and passed on to the next guy on the line, it made it all seem worth it. RIP Chef #anthonybourdain pic.twitter.com/IYKVGG2Tmc
— OXBelfast (@oxbelfast) June 8, 2018

His first food and world-travel television show was A Cook's Tour on the Food Network. He also hosted Travel Channel's Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations and The Layover. In 2013, he switched to CNN to host Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.

CNN's statement said that "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 Bourdain was probably my favorite TV personality. He showed his flaws, he spoke his mind, and he had real compassion for people. He made faraway places seem familiar. He never hid the fact that he struggled. Yet, this is still so shocking. A real loss for the world.
— J.J. Abbott (@jjabbott) June 8, 2018

His death comes after fashion designer Kate Spade hanged herself in an apparent suicide at her Manhattan apartment on Tuesday.

Please check on the people you care about. A simple call or visit could save someone’s life. Waking up to these untimely deaths are disheartening and sad ��. R.I.P #KateSpade #AnthonyBourdain
— Victor Cruz (@TeamVic) June 8, 2018

I find it heartbreaking that so many people regardless of social status are taking their lives these days! Success and an outwardly happy demeanor mean nothing, behind closed doors people are struggling! ��#anthonybourdain #KateSpade
— Vicki Irvin (@vickiirvin) June 8, 2018

Read the full CNN statement here.