Anthony Bourdain is dead at 61. CNN confirms the award-winning broadcast journalist was found dead in France where was working on an episode of his popular series "Parts Unknown." The cause of death is suicide. His close friend, French chef Eric Ripert, found Bourdain unresponsive in his hotel room this morning.
The network released a statement saying "It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain. 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 once described as the original rock star chef. He expanded his 1999 New Yorker article "Don't Eat Before Reading This" into the best-selling book "Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly." He joined CNN in 2013 and saw season eleven of "Parts Unknown" premiere just last month. He leaves behind a daughter, born in 2007. Bourdain received a Peabody Award for the series.
If you or anyone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.