Gut-wrenching celebrity reactions to tragic death of beloved TV star and iconic chef

Celebrity chef and TV personality, Anthony Bourdain, passed away earlier today. He was 61 years old, and the cause of death was confirmed as suicide.

Bourdain's employer, CNN, released a statement on Twitter and said his 'love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink' and his remarkable stories would be missed.

The award-winning chef joined the network five years ago and was in Paris filming upcoming episodes for CNN's show, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.

As word of his passing spread around the globe, his fans and followers took to Twitter to express their grief and send messages of condolences.

Padma Lakshmi said she was 'in shock and devasted,' and described Bourdain as 'one of the most fun and wittiest men' she had ever met.

Lea Michele said Bourdain's show inspired her. 'Watching your show always brought me such happiness,' she added.

'It's crazy how the loss of someone you never met can hit you so hard.'

Bryan Greenberg, Twitter, June 8, 2018.

Dan Barry, a friend of Bourdain's mother, recalls how proudly she used to talk about her son. He also noted that Bourdain took viewers 'to corners of the world with his curiosity' and compassion.

Christiane Amanpour remarked that Bourdain had 'a huge personality, a giant talent, a unique voice' and was deeply human. 'My heart goes out to his daughter and family,' she added.

Show host Ryan Seacrest sent messages of support to Bourdain's family. He will miss following Bourdain's travels around the world and the connection he could create between people.

Author John Hodgman said his friendship with Bourdain began fourteen years ago when they ate together in Chinatown and talked about food for an article Hodgman was writing.

They had chicken feet for supper, and Bourdain taught him that 'weird food' is delicious too. 'The afternoon vibrated with life,' he said.

Bourdain has been in the industry since the mid-seventies after he graduated from Dwight-Englewood Scool and joined the Culinary Institute of America.

He also wrote best-selling books, such as Medium Raw and Kitchen Confidential. The story is still developing, follow our Twitter account - AmoMama USA - to stay up to date.