While the world continues to come to grips with the loss of Anthony Bourdan, a key new detail regarding the celebrity chef’s death has been made official.
Bourdain, of course, tragically took his own life on Friday.
His body was discovered in a French hotel room by close friend Eric Ripert, who had been filming a new episode of CNN’s Parts Unknown with Bourdan in Ripert’s native country.
Those who have followed this sad story closely already knew that Bourdain killed himself via hanging, and they already knew his death took place in the aforementioned hotel room.
But French officials have now confirmed two more critical pieces of information:
- Bourdain hanged himself in the hotel room’s bathroom.
- He used the belt from his bathrobe to do so.
Prosecutor Christian de Rocquigny also says that there are no signs of foul play.
There are no indications anyone had entered Bourdain’s room at the luxury Le Chambard Hotel any time close to the beloved star’s passing.
This should effectively end all official inquiries into Bourdain’s death.
Questions will continue to be asked about Bourdain’s state of mind and mental history and what could have possibly caused him to make such a heartbreaking decision.
But there are not many more practical details related to his suicide that remain uncovered.
The French prosecutor did add in his report that toxicology tests were being carried out, including urine tests, to determine if Bourdain was on any medications at the time of his hanging.
Said CNN in a statement yesterday morning:
It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdains.
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 had premiered Parts Unknown on the networkin 2013 and won a Peabody Award shortly thereafter.
He was widely respected for the way he paid tribute on his show to a wide variety of cultures and countries.
Tweeted Italian actress Asia Argento, Bourdain’s girlfriend of about a year, hours after news of the chef’s death went viral:
“Anthony gave all of himself in everything that he did. His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds.
“He was my love, my rock, my protector. I am beyond devastated.
My thoughts are with his family. I would ask that you respect their privacy and mine.”
Bourdain leaves behind an 11-year old daughter from his second marriage.
He was 61 years old at the time of his death.
His final act came three days after fashion designer Kate Spade also killed herself; she did so by hanging herself in her New York City apartment.
In response to these developments, the Mental Health Association of New York tells TMZ that its hotline has experienced a 25% increase in call volume compared to this time last week.
The number has been shared by number of celebrities on social media, which the organization says has resulted in more people “being aware of the resource and calling the Lifeline to get help.”
It’s simply awful that it took the suicides of two respected global figures for this to happen.
But perhaps some solace can be found in the silver lining that people with mental health struggles are taking the necerssary measures to make sure they don’t end up like Bourdain, Spade and so many others.
