New Details Surrounding Chef Michael Chiarello's Death Prompts More Questions
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New details of celebrity chef Michael Chiarello's death have prompted more questions surrounding the situation.
In the statement from Gruppo Chiarello announcing the Emmy winner's passing on Oct. 8, it was noted that the former Food Network star died from an acute allergic reaction, which led to an anaphylactic shock. However, a representative for Gruppo Chiarello has now told People that the exact cause of his death remains a mystery.
"The doctors don't know what caused the allergic reaction and neither does the family," said the representative. The spokesperson also noted that Chiarello's family "may never know" what gave him a fatal allergic reaction.
As for how it's possible that Chiarello developed food anaphylaxis well into adulthood, Dr. Inderpal Randhawa, who is the CEO and founder of the Food Allergy Institute, told the outlet that "two-thirds of adults with food anaphylaxis develop the disease after 18 years of age."
Dr. Randhawa explained that if the person who is allergic to a certain type of food changed their diet but "over the next year, they continued to cook shellfish where there are allergens in the air, the air-based allergens will increase sensitization of their immune system and increase their risk of anaphylaxis."
The medical professional continued, "The next time they consume shellfish, it can result in a severe and rapid reaction."
Chiarello died at 61 years old after being treated for the allergic reaction for the past week. He was surrounded by his family and friends at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa.
