Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain has died at 61

Anthony Bourdain, the celebrity chef, storyteller and television personality, has died aged 61.

CNN confirmed Bourdain's death on Friday morning, stating that Bourdain died by suicide. "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 at the time of his death, working on an upcoming episode of his award-winning CNN series. Eric Ripert, the French chef, found Bourdain unresponsive in his hotel room Friday morning. He was a 1978 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a veteran of numerous professional kitchens, including many years as executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles. He was noted by popular sources as one of the most influential chefs in the world. His first food and world-travel television show was A Cook's Tour, which ran for 35 episodes on the Food Network from 2002 through 2003. In 2005 he began hosting the Travel Channel's culinary and cultural adventure programs Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2005–2012) and The Layover (2011–2013). In 2013, he switched to CNN to host Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Though best known for his culinary achievements and television presentations, along with several books on food and cooking and travel adventures, Bourdain's lesser-known writings include both fiction and historical nonfiction. For anyone who feels affected by this article, freephone one of the many Pieta House or Samaritans networks around the country.