US celebrity chef and TV star Anthony Bourdain found dead

US celebrity chef and TV star Anthony Bourdain has died.

The 61-year-old, also a best-selling author, was found dead in a hotel room in Strasbourg, France earlier today.

His cause of death was suicide, according to the TV network he was working with, CNN.

BREAKING: Anthony Bourdain of CNN’s “Parts Unknown” is dead. The chef, storyteller and Emmy-winning host has committed suicide at age 61, CNN confirms https://t.co/kUSmSJZXNm pic.twitter.com/VyZyfh5my2

— CNN (@CNN) June 8, 2018

“It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain,” CNN said in a statement Friday morning.

“His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller.

“His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Bourdain was found unresponsive in his hotel room on Friday morning by a close friend, French chef Eric Ripert.

The 61-year-old was filming for his documentary Parts Unknown, in which he travels the world to sample cuisine and cultures in different corners of the globe.

The series visited Scotland in 2015, where Bourdain’s famed way with words provided some memorable quotes.

On deep-fried haggis, he commented: “My personal favourite. Sinister sheep parts, in tube form in this case. And if you don’t like chopped up liver, and lungs, and all that good stuff, believe me, the curry sauce sets you right.”

Visiting a fish and chip shop, he said: “Haddock, battered and floating adrift in a sea of mysterious, life-giving oil. The accumulated flavors of many magical things, as it bobs like Noah’s Arc, bringing life in all of its infinite variety.”

The episode also courted some controversy, with Bourdain saying: “If you’re looking for a beer and a beating Glasgow will happily provide it.”

Bourdain later said that he ‘adored’ the city and was a regular visitor to Scotland.

Jamie Oliver paid tribute to Bourdain, writing on Instagram: “I have to say I’m in total shock to hear that the amazing @anthonybourdain has just died.

“He really broke the mould, pushed the culinary conversation and was the most brilliant writer … he leaves chefs and fans around the world with a massive foodie hole that simply can’t be replaced … rest in peace chef.

“Thoughts and love to all his family and close friends xxxxxxxxxxx”

Gordon Ramsay said he was “stunned and saddened” by the news of Bourdain’s death, sharing the phone number for the Samaritans’ support service on social media.

He wrote: “Stunned and saddened by the loss of Anthony Bourdain. He brought the world into our homes and inspired so many people to explore cultures and cities through their food.

“Remember that help is a phone call away US:1-800-273-TALK UK: 116 123.”