The US celebrity chef and TV personality was said to have committed suicide.

American celebrity chef, cookbook author and host of CNN's Parts Unknown, Anthony Bourdain, has passed away at the age of 61. CNN confirmed that the cause of death was suicide.

Bourdain was in France, filming an episode of his award-winning series when his friend, French chef Eric Ripert, discovered him unresponsive in his hotel room. No other details have been released yet. 

In an Instagram post, British chef Jamie Oliver said that he is in total shock to hear the devastating news. "He really broke the mould and pushed the culinary conversation."

Food Network personality Michael Symon also expressed his shock on Twitter, adding how he was at a loss for words, while chef Tyler Florence said that he was "shattered" by the news. 

(Related: Singapore Chefs Remember Legendary Paul Bocuse, Pope Of French Cuisine)

Bourdain was a gifted storyteller and helped change the way we consumed stories about food and dining out. He had a string of award-winning food and travel shows, such as A Cook's Tour on the Food Network and Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations on The Travel Channel, which took him to the farthest (and sometimes extremely dangerous) corners of the world to sample the most exotic dishes.

Oliver adds, "He leaves chefs and fans around the world with a massive foodie hole that won't be replaced."

Chefs on social media react to Anthony Bourdain's untimely passing:
 

Ryan Clift
Chef-owner, Tippling Club, Singapore

Matt Moran
Chef, TV personality, Australia

David Chang
Chef and restaurateur, Momofuku Restaurant Group, US 

Chef Sebas La Rocca
Chef-owner, Cvltvra Restaurant, US

Main image courtesy of AFP.