The prosecutor of Colmar in France’s Alsace region has confirmed that Anthony Bourdain hanged himself in the bathroom of his hotel room in France.
According to the Associated Press, prosecutor Christian de Rocquigny said that on Friday, the famous chef, writer, and host of CNN’s Parts Unknown, took the belt from his hotel bathrobe to commit suicide.
Rocquigny said that, “there is no element that makes us suspect that someone came into the room at any moment.” He also revealed that a medical expert confirmed that there were no signs of violence.
The prosecutor confirmed that toxicology tests were being conducted, including urine tests, to determine if 61-year-old Bourdain was on any medication, in part to help his family find closure. Many celebrities, chefs, and friends have since mourned his death.
CNN shared in a statement on Friday that Bourdain died by suicide while working on a new episode of the Peabody-winning series in France.
“[Bourdain's] love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink, and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller,” CNN said. “His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much.”
Following Bourdain’s breakthrough in 1999 with the revered New YorkerarticleDon't Eat Before Reading This, he landed his Travel Channel show No Reservations in 2005, and then later left to join CNN and launch his brilliantly narrated Parts Unknown in 2013.
Rest in peace to the revered chef, journalist, and cultural reporter.
