Chef Carl Ruiz has died of a suspected heart attack in his sleep at the age of 44, according to a post from his restaurant La Cubana’s official Instagram page on Sunday.
The TV personality was best known for his role on the Food Network shows Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives, Guy’s Grocery Games and Guy’s Ranch Kitchen.
His longtime friend Guy Fieri, 55, posted a heartbreaking tribute on social media mourning the passing of his co-star.
Sad loss: Chef Carl Ruiz has died of a suspected heart attack in his sleep at the age of 44
His best friend: His longtime friend Guy Fieiri posted a heartbreaking post on social media mourning the passing of his co-star; seen in May
‘I’m heartbroken that my friend chef Carl Ruiz is gone,’ the star began.
‘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.’
He added, ‘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.’
Gone too soon: ‘I’m heartbroken that my friend chef Carl Ruiz is gone,’ the star began. ‘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’
They had the same taste: Carl is seen here with Guy in a dive restaurant for their show
Carl reportedly passed away on Saturday night while asleep.
It is believed he had a heart attack, said his friend Matt Farah. Matt also said Carl died peacefully in his sleep.
Cuban-American Carl was known for his knowledge of Spanish food. In June he opened the restaurant La Cubana in NYC which serves authentic Cuban cuisine.
They loved to eat: The TV personality was best known for his role on the Food Network shows Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy’s Grocery Games and Guy’s Ranch Kitchen; here is an image from an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Fieri is not the only chef who paid tribute to Ruiz.
Jet Tila of Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen and Guy’s Grocery Games fame, said, ‘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,’ he wrote. ‘Thank you @guyfieri for bringing Carl into all of our lives.’
Chef Ben Ford, whose parents are Harrison Ford and Mary Marquardt, added, ‘Our community lost a good one yesterday. Way too young RIP.’
Another sweet note: Fieri is not the only chef who paid tribute to Ruiz. Jet Tila of Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen and Guy’s Grocery Games fame, said, ‘You taught us how to enjoy every moment to the fullest and not live wondering what if!’
‘To say he was a great chef, would be putting it lightly. To say he was funny, would be putting it lightly and to say that he was a great friend would be putting it very lightly,’ wrote Anthony Rodriguez, a director of photography for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in another emotional post.
‘I am devastated at the way too soon loss of my friend Carl. Carl, you lived life to the fullest, enjoyed every moment and were one of the truest and most loyal friends anyone could ever ask for,’ Rodriguez added.
‘The friendship and loyalty and laughs he brought to me and all of the group of friends that knew him best, is just indescribable Carl you were definitely an original and lived the fullest and yet, way to short a life. Vaya con dios mi hermano, te amo ❤️ See you in the next life my friend.’
Solo’s son: Chef Ben Ford, whose parents are Harrison Ford (pictured in 2012) and Mary Marquardt, added, ‘Our community lost a good one yesterday. Way too young RIP’
La Cubana’s post read: ‘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. No words can fully express our sadness at the sudden loss of our dear friend and brother,’ read the post.
‘Beyond his immense culinary talent, Carl’s larger-than-life personality never failed to entertain, enlighten, and uplift every person he encountered along his #Ruizing adventures.
‘His fierce intellect and infectious humor knew no bounds. He was a mighty force of down home Cuban cuisine, and lived life to the fullest, just as he cooked—with “dancing always” as the most important ingredient,’ the post continued.