US celebrity chef and television host Anthony Bourdain, the host of CNN's food-and-travel-focused "Parts Unknown" programme, has died at the age of 61, the network said on Friday.
The cause of death was suicide, the network said in a statement. He was found dead in a hotel room in France where he had been working on an upcoming episode of his program, the network said.
Bourdain's death was the second suicide this week of a high-profile American figure. Designer Kate Spade, who built a fashion empire on her signature handbags, was found dead in her New York apartment of suicide on Tuesday.
Bourdain's profile began to soar in 1999, when the New Yorker magazine published his article "Don't Eat Before Reading This," which he developed into the 2000 book, "Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly.
He went on to host television programs, first on the Food Network and the Travel Channel, before joining CNN in 2013.
His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller.CNN in a statement
"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."
(If you have suicidal thoughts, or if you know someone who needs help, please refer to this state-wise list of credible mental health professionals.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)