Celebrity Chef Carl Ruiz Dead At 44 After Suspected Heart Attack

Celebrity chef Carl Ruiz has died, according to reports coming out on social media from some of his closest friends in the restaurant industry. He was just 44 years old.

The celebrity chef and Food Network mainstay reportedly passed away on Saturday night due to a suspected heart attack. So says Ruiz’s close pal Matt Farah, at least, who also reported that Ruiz apparently died peacefully in his sleep.

Farah is not the only high-profile celeb chef to reach out with condolences over Ruiz’s death, either; food industry mainstay Guy Fieri shared his own condolences about his close friend on Twitter just a few hours ago, as you can see (below):

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.

— Mayor Guy Fieri (@GuyFieri) September 22, 2019

So sad.

“I’m heartbroken that my friend chef Carl Ruiz is gone,” Fieri wrote in the two-tweet thread, which went viral with fans sharing their condolences online, as well. “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.”

Very powerful words from Fieri.

Other Food Network fixtures also shared their condolences for Ruiz’s passing, including Jet Tila and Ben Ford, who sent along kind words for the celeb chef (below):

You taught us how to enjoy every moment to the fullest and not live wondering what if! You are gone way too soon @carlruiz ! I will always be #ruizing! You will be remembered by us all! #RIP my friend. Thank you @guyfieri for bringing Carl into all of our lives. #GGG pic.twitter.com/4g3Xyfq9kH

— Jet Tila (@jettila) September 22, 2019

Ugh.

Ruiz — who was active on Instagram as late as yesterday — was of Cuban-American descent and widely known as an expert in Spanish cuisine. He opened a restaurant in NYC called La Cubana earlier this year, as well, in addition to making it big on TV. Over the years, Ruiz had teamed up quite a bit with Fieri to do shows, including guest appearances on Guy’s Grocery Games, Guy’s Ranch Kitchen, and Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

In addition, he helped open countless other restaurants as part of an impressive 25-year career spanning all areas of the food service industry and restaurant biz.

Carl Ruiz death — Just one day before he died, Ruiz was active and having fun on his Instagram account. / (c) Carl Ruiz/Instagram

Surely, he will be very much missed by his family, friends, and loved ones.

We can’t imagine the shock and sadness they must be facing now, and we send our sincere condolences out to them during this trying time for everybody. What a tough, tough time.

R.I.P., Carl Ruiz.

[Image via Carl Ruiz/Instagram]