Guy Fieri Reacts To His Friend Chef Carl Ruiz's Sudden Death: "I'm Heartbroken"

Tess Koman
Updated

From Delish

Carl Ruiz died unexpectedly on Saturday at the age of 44, PEOPLEreports. The celebrated Cuban chef oftentimes appeared on the Food Network, particularly on Guy Fieri's shows Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and Guy's Grocery Games.

Carl's New York City restaurant La Cubana—which he opened in the Meatpacking district just three months ago—also confirmed the news on Sunday morning in a heartbreaking Instagram post. While no official cause of death has been released yet, the restaurant noted the chef's passing was "sudden."

"On behalf of the La Cubana family, with heavy hearts, we are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved Executive Chef Carl Ruiz," the caption began. "No words can fully express our sadness at the sudden loss of our dear friend and brother."

Video: Guy Fieri’s Restaurant Chain Is Called ‘Chicken Guy!’

Even before La Cubana's confirmation, celebrity chefs who'd become friends with him over the years began posting tributes to the late chef on social media. Guy Fieri was one of the first to pay tribute to his late friend, writing "I’m heartbroken that my friend chef Carl Ruiz is gone. I have no words to describe what a great friend he was to me and my family."

View this post on Instagram

I’m heartbroken that my friend chef Carl Ruiz is gone. I have no words to describe what a great friend he was to me and my family. His ability to make me laugh and smile under any circumstances was only outshined by his talent as a chef. Over the years, I’ve met a lot of great people but a friend like Carl is one in a hundred million. Carl ’The Cuban’ Ruiz will forever live on in my heart and in those of all who loved him.

A post shared by  Guy Fieri (@guyfieri) on Sep 22, 2019 at 7:20am PDT

Chopped's Alex Guarneschelli expressed her deep sadness as well: "My life will be lonelier without him. Love you Carl."

View this post on Instagram

Can’t explain the profound specialness of some people. This man was somehow fatherly, comforting, wise, reckless, brilliant, wickedly funny and unique all rolled into one. My life will be lonelier without him. Love you Carl. I will make sure no one puts pineapple on pizza as best I can without your support. Rest In Peace. No commenting on this post. Just take a moment to think about @saborchef and the loss of him. 💔

A post shared by  Alex Guarnaschelli (@guarnaschelli) on Sep 22, 2019 at 10:11am PDT

Jet Tila posted a message about Carl on Twitter, concluding by thanking Guy for bringing him into his life.

Messages from Food Network stars continued to pour in throughout Sunday afternoon:

Up until yesterday, Carl had been documenting eating his way through Maryland on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

Delicious Crab Cakes with collard greens and red beans and rice. Heaven. #ruizing

A post shared by  Carl Ruiz (@saborchef) on Sep 20, 2019 at 6:51pm PDT

You Might Also Like