Food Network celebrity chef Michael Chiarello's cause of death has been revealed.
Chiarello, known for his culinary expertise and television appearances, passed away at the age of 61 on October 7, 2023, in a hospital surrounded by his family.
He was a prominent figure in the culinary world, known for hosting shows on the Food Network and PBS. He also made appearances on popular cooking programs such as Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, and The Next Iron Chef.
In 2005, his exceptional contributions to the culinary arts earned him a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Service Show Host for the Food Network's Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello.
Chiarello's tragic passing has been attributed to an allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock, per Deadline.
The Napa County Coroner's Office confirmed this cause of death, further revealing that the anaphylactic shock triggered a heart attack.
According to a source within the Napa County Coroner's Office, Chiarello was hospitalized last month, where medical professionals managed to revive him. However, the aftermath of the anaphylactic shock resulted in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a condition characterized by brain dysfunction caused by oxygen and blood flow deprivation.
It remains uncertain whether the allergic reaction was linked to food consumption or another allergen. The exact allergen responsible for triggering the anaphylactic shock has not been disclosed.
In addition to the allergic reaction, Chiarello's toxicology report indicated the presence of cocaine in his system. However, the coroner's office clarified that the chef's death was not the result of a drug overdose. Instead, recent cocaine use was listed as a "significant condition" contributing to his passing.
The news of his sudden and tragic death has deeply affected the culinary community and his fans worldwide. Chiarello's legacy as a talented chef and television personality endures through his numerous culinary achievements and contributions to the food industry.