CNN TV host Anthony Bourdain dies aged 61

Anthony Bourdain, a chef and TV show host working with CNN died today aged 61 years. “It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain,” the network said in a statement Friday morning. “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.” “Bourdain was in France working on an upcoming episode of his award-winning CNN series ‘Parts Unknown.’ His close friend Eric Ripert, the French chef, found Bourdain unresponsive in his hotel room Friday morning,” according to the cable news network.CNN says that the cause of death is suicide.

Stunned reactions to his death from viewers, fellow chefs, celebrities and others swept through social media Friday morning. Author and humorist John Hodgman recalled eating with Bourdain some 14 years ago.