The cause of death of Food Network chef Carl Ruiz has been announced.
Less than a month after Ruiz’s death on September 22 at the age of 44, a spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Health told TMZ that the popular celebrity chef died “from complications of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, the disease is caused by the buildup of cholesterol and other fats in the artery walls, hardening the blood vessels that carry oxygen and essential nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body. His family suspects he died of a heart attack, which these findings more or less confirm.
A day after Ruiz’s death, his New York restaurant La Cubana announced his death on Instagram, writing: “On behalf of the La Cubana family, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Chef Carl Ruiz with deep sadness.”
“No words can fully express our sadness at the sudden loss of our dear friend and brother. In addition to his immense culinary talent, Carl’s larger-than-life personality always managed to entertain, educate and uplift every person he encountered on his #Ruizing adventures,” the Instagram post continued. “His sharp intellect and infectious humor knew no bounds. He was a powerful force in down-to-earth Cuban cuisine and lived life to the fullest, just as he cooked – with ‘always dancing’ as the most important ingredient. Here at La Cubana, Carl proudly paid tribute to his Cuban roots every night, and here Carl’s legacy, undeniable spirit and passion for his culture will live on. We hope we make you proud, Carlito.”
“To honor the work you loved so much, Chef, La Cubana will continue your work in establishing the Carl Ruiz Scholarship Foundation for emerging chefs,” the post concluded. “We love you! We miss you already. Rest in peace.”
Ruiz rose to fame in 2013 when his New Jersey deli, Marie’s Italian Specialties, was featured on Guy Fieri’s hit show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” He has since appeared on several other Food Network shows, including “Guy’s Grocery Games.”
When news of his death broke in September, Fieri and other Food Network stars took to social media to honor their late colleague with emotional tributes and mourn his passing. Paula Deen’s tribute, however, was not as well received.
