Homaro Cantu has died at age 38, Chicago's WGN-TV reports. The beloved chef was found dead of an apparent suicide on Tuesday, April 14.
Authorities say that Homaro was hanging in the building where he wanted to open a brewery on the northwest side of Chicago. His autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.
Cantu has appeared in several cooking shows in the past, including Hell's Kitchen, Iron Chef, and Dinner Impossible. In 2010, he produced his own series titled Future Food. He was also best known for his molecular gastronomy and unique cuisine. He worked under famed chef Charlie Trotter before opening his restaurant Moto in 2004.
After the news of his death broke late Tuesday, Cantu's fellow chef friends paid their respects via Twitter. "Please everyone, send your thoughts/prayers to the family & loved ones of chef Homaro Cantu," MasterChef Junior judge Graham Elliot wrote. "A great friend, a horrible loss; speechless."
Bryan Voltaggio, who appeared in Top Chef, added: "Rest in Peace Chef Cantu you will be missed by many."
Cantu is survived by his wife Katie McGowan and their two daughters.
