CNN's Anthony Bourdain dead at 61
Programming note: CNN
will air "Remembering Anthony Bourdain," a special report on the life
and legacy of the chef, storyteller and writer, tonight at 10 p.m. ET.
New York (CNN)Anthony
Bourdain, the gifted chef, storyteller and writer who took TV viewers
around the world to explore culture, cuisine and the human condition for
nearly two decades, has died. He was 61.
CNN confirmed Bourdain's death on Friday and said the cause of death was suicide.
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.
Asking for help
The
suicide rate in the United States has seen sharp increases in recent
years. Studies have shown that the risk of suicide declines sharply when
people call the national suicide hotline: 1-800-273-TALK.
There is also a crisis text line. For crisis support in Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454.
The lines are staffed by a mix of paid professionals and unpaid volunteers trained in crisis and suicide intervention. The confidential environment, the 24-hour accessibility, a caller's ability to hang up at any time and the person-centered care have helped its success, advocates say.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide also provide contact information for crisis centers around the world.
There is also a crisis text line. For crisis support in Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454.
The lines are staffed by a mix of paid professionals and unpaid volunteers trained in crisis and suicide intervention. The confidential environment, the 24-hour accessibility, a caller's ability to hang up at any time and the person-centered care have helped its success, advocates say.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide also provide contact information for crisis centers around the world.
"It
is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend
and colleague, Anthony Bourdain," the network said in a statement. "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
joined CNN five years ago. In an email to employees, the network's
president, Jeff Zucker, remembered him as an "exceptional talent."
"Tony will be greatly missed not only for his work but also for the passion with which he did it," Zucker wrote.
Viewers
around the world felt connected to Bourdain through his fearless
travels, his restless spirit and his magical way with words. Fans,
fellow chefs, celebrities and friends reacted to his death with stunned
sorrow.
"Anthony was my best
friend," Ripert tweeted. "An exceptional human being, so inspiring &
generous. One of the great storytellers who connected w so many. I pray
he is at peace from the bottom of my heart. My love & prayers are
also w his family, friends and loved ones."
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