CNN's Anthony Bourdain and star of “Parts Unknown” dead at 61; fans and chef breaks into tears on Twitter

People around the globe are shattered after hearing about Anthony Bourdain, the chef who became a world-traveling storyteller, died at 61.

According to CNN, he died in France while working on an episode of his CNN show, “Parts Unknown.” He was found unresponsive in his hotel room by a close friend, chef Eric Ripert, on Friday morning, he committed suicide.

In a statement, the network said:

“It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain. 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.”

Anthony was known wordwide for his travel shows, and the ability with which he told the stories of people and cultures around the world through the food they ate. “Parts Unknown” was the latest in that series. Since premiering in 2013, the program has won five Emmy awards, and a Peabody.

The ones who know him and his work has shared their tweet with sadness and shock.

“Anthony was a dear friend,” Ripert told the New York Times. “He was an exceptional human being, so inspiring and generous. One of the great storytellers of our time who connected with so many. I wish him peace. My love and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones.”

Also Read: Celebrity chef and CNN food critic, Anthony Bourdain commits suicide

Italian actress Asia Argento, and Bourdain’s longtime girlfriend, said in a statement posted on Twitter: “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.”

In 2016, President Barack Obama dined with Bourdain in Hanoi for an episode of the program. They sat on plastic stools in a family-run restaurant, eating bun cha, a dish special to Hanoi.

“I think it’s very sad. I want to extend to his family my heartfelt condolences,” said President Trump as he left the White House Friday morning. “I enjoyed his show. He was quite a character.”

The tributes from famous chefs and others touched by Bourdain’s work has flooded Twitter.

“You still had so many places to show us, whispering to our souls the great possibilities beyond what we could see with our own eyes,” chef José Andrés tweeted. “You only saw beauty in all people. You will always travel with me.”

Bourdain’s suicide comes days after designer Kate Spade’s, which has prompted mental health and suicide prevention organizations to urge individuals to reach out.

“We’re saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Anthony Bourdain,” the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline posted on social media. “Please know you are never alone, no matter how dark or lonely things may seem. If you’re struggling, reach out: call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). We’re here for you, 24/7/365.”

“It’s also important to know warning signs and risk factors for suicide, that way you can better support others,” reads a tweet from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Those warning signs include making threats or comments about killing oneself, social withdrawal and increased alcohol and drug use.