TV chef Gary Rhodes collapsed and died at home after suffering bleed on brain
28 November 2019, 12:15
TV chef Gary Rhodes collapsed and died from bleed on the brain while at home during a "peaceful" evening with his wife after a busy day on set filming a new series, his family said today.
His family said in a statement today: “In order to end painful speculation surrounding the sudden passing of our beloved Gary Rhodes OBE, the Rhodes family can confirm that after a successful day shooting with Rock Oyster Media for ITV here in Dubai, Gary returned home in a very happy mood for a peaceful evening with his wife Jennie.
"After dinner, Gary unfortunately collapsed in their residence and was rushed to hospital but unfortunately passed away due to subdural hematoma."
At this time, there are no other details and the family would again request privacy around this very tragic loss and again, thank friends and family for their ongoing support at this time.”
Rhodes suffered a blood clot on the brain in an accident when he was aged 19.
He was warned by doctors at the time of the risks of another head injury after he was hit by a van while running for a tram in Amsterdam in 1979.
He needed six months to recover after undergoing eight hours of brain surgery.
We lost a fantastic chef today in Gary Rhodes. He was a chef who put British Cuisine on the map. Sending all the love and prayers to your wife and kids. You’ll be missed Gx pic.twitter.com/RRWlWhjup8
— Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) November 27, 2019
Tributes poured in after news of his death. Simon Hulstone tweeted: ”Very sad to get a message this morning from Dubai informing me of the brilliant Chef and mentor Gary Rhodes passing last night. What a shining star for British gastronomy. Rest well Chef."
Daniel Clifford posted: "Rest in peace a true British classic Gary Rhodes you open the door for so many young English cooks."
Jamie Oliver posted on Instagram: "Sadly Chef Gary Rhodes OBE passed away. My heart felt sympathies to his wife , kids, friends and family, sending love and thoughts.
"Gary was a fantastic chef and incredible ambassador for British cooking, he was a massive inspiration to me as a young chef. He reimagined modern British cuisine with elegance and fun. rest in peace Chef."
Hugely influential in my life and the life of the British food scene. Gent and genius...RIP Gary, I can’t believe you’re gone https://t.co/8g8M93uJrB pic.twitter.com/tAcLWONYjH
— James Martin (@jamesmartinchef) November 27, 2019
Gordon Ramsay tweeted: "We lost a fantastic chef today in Gary Rhodes. He was a chef who put British Cuisine on the map. Sending all the love and prayers to your wife and kids. You'll be missed Gx."
TV chef James Martin posted: "Hugely influential in my life and the life of the British food scene. Gent and genius...RIP Gary, I can't believe you're gone."
Ainsley Harriott tweeted: "So sad to hear the news about Gary Rhodes. A true culinary icon and a lovely man. Sending my love and thoughts to his wife Jennie and their boys. RIP, my friend. xx"
Chef Brian Turner, who worked with Rhodes early in his career, tweeted: "Such sad news of the passing away of one of England's great chefs, Gary Rhodes.
"A man I was privileged to know from his very early days, watching his success & noting the number of young people he inspired in our wonderful industry. A true friend. RIP chef."
Simon Rimmer posted on Instagram: "Tragic news that Gary Rhodes has died. Champion of British food and gave me some of the best advise I've ever had at the start of my career. Thoughts and love to Jennie and the boys."
Tom Kerridge, formerly Rhodes' sous chef, tweeted: "I'm deeply shocked and hugely saddened to hear the tragic news about Gary Rhodes.
"He is one of the greatest British chefs who almost single handedly put British food on the world stage. Taking simple ingredients, embracing classic dishes & making something world class.
"Many chefs have been through his kitchen, myself included. I consider it to be an honour to have stood alongside him at the pass. My thoughts go out to family and close friends for their huge loss."
Nathan Outlaw, who trained under Rhodes, said: "The news of Gary's passing is just awful.
"I really don't know what to say other than what an inspirational person he was to me in my early career.
"I walked past his picture on the wall at Broadstairs College where I did my training for two years. He had previously attended the college and was a hero and role model to the young chefs there.
"Watching him on TV really spurred me on to pursue a career cooking.
"I worked with him for only a short time; I was too young and inexperienced, but it was long enough to have a lasting effect on me and my career ambitions.
"He was always kind and supportive. It's just a huge loss both to me personally and to the industry."
A production company that was working with Rhodes on a new TV series said he was suddenly taken ill during a break in filming.
Rock Oyster Media and Goldfinch TV said in a statement to the PA news agency: "It is with terrible sadness that we share the news that Gary Rhodes OBE, TV chef, author and restaurateur has died suddenly at the age of 59.
"Gary was in the middle of filming a wonderful new series with Rock Oyster Media for ITV from his base in Dubai.
"All at Rock Oyster Media and Goldfinch are devastated by this tragic news. Gary was taken ill very suddenly at home during a break in filming and died a short time afterwards.
"Production was obviously halted as soon as Gary was taken ill and members of the Rock Oyster Team remain in Dubai to support the family as best they can."
