American chef, author, traveller and television personality Anthony Bourdain has died at the age of 61, CNN has announced. His death is currently being treated as a suicide case.
In an statement made on Friday, the network 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."
At the time of his death, Bourdain was in France filming an episode of his award-winning CNN series "Parts Unknown." His friend Eric Ripert allegedly found Bourdain unresponsive in his hotel room Friday morning.
Bourdain's death comes a mere week after fashion designer Kate Spade took her own life. Spade is believed to have hanged herself at her Manhattan apartment on Tuesday.
If you or anyone else you know is struggling with mental illness or suicidal thoughts, please contact the Samaritans on 116 123, or the National Suicide Hotline on 1-800-273-8255.
