What Was Food Network Star Michael Chiarello's Shocking Cause of Death?

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Michael Chiarello

Celebrity chef and Food Network star Michael Chiarello has died.

Chiarello was known for his appearances on shows such as Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, Chopped and Next Iron Chef. He was a writer, executive producer and star of Easy Entertaining, which won him a Daytime Emmy Award in 2005.

Born in California on Jan. 26, 1962, he relocated to Napa Valley at age 24, after graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. Chiarello has been honored with Food & Wine magazine’s Chef of the Year award, earning the same distinction by his alma mater a decade later in 1995. Throughout his career, Chiarello has been behind such restaurants as the acclaimed Tra Vigne, Bottega and Ottimo (all located in Napa Valley), as well as Coqueta (which has dual locations in San Francisco and Napa).

At the turn of the century, Chiarello established himself in the winemaking business, founding Chiarello Family Vineyards. In 2000, he launched NapaStyle, a retail line of artisanal foods and home products. He was also a prolific author, having received distinctions from the James Beard Foundation.

Read on to learn about the cause of Chiarello's untimely death.

Related: Food Network Star Michael Chiarello Dead at Age 61

What was Michael Chiarello’s cause of death?

Per Gruppo Chiarello, the celebrity chef died following an “acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock.” He was being treated for the illness for the past week.

“We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael,” his family said in a statement, per People. “His culinary brilliance, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment to family were at the core of his being. He brought people together through the joy of shared meals, fostering lasting memories around the table."

The statement continued, "As we navigate this profound loss, we hold dear the moments we cherished with him, both in his kitchens and in our hearts. His legacy will forever live on in the love he poured into every dish and the passion he instilled in all of us to savor life's flavors.”

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What happened to Michael Chiarello?

In early October, Chiarello was receiving treatment for a severe allergic reaction that led to his death.

Chiarello’s family is asking for donations to be made to Meals on Wheels in lieu of floral arrangements.

Related: Bob Barker's Death Certificate Sheds New Light on His Passing

What was Michael Chiarello allergic to?

At this time, his family and company Gruppo Chiarello did not publicize the allergy that led to Chiarello’s death.

How old was Michael Chiarello when he died?

Chiarello died at age 61.

Where did Michael Chiarello die?

A native of the wine-rich Northern California region, Chiarello died at the Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, Calif., surrounded by family and friends.

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