Suspected Cause of Death Revealed for Food Network Chef Carl Ruiz

Celebrity chef Carl Ruiz, the owner of La Cubana restaurant who made frequent appearances on The Food Network, has died, the New York restaurant said. He was 44. La Cubana/Instagram

Food Network chef Carl Ruiz, who also owned La Cubana restaurant in New York, died in his sleep of a suspected heart attack, according to a report on Sept. 22.

Deadline Hollywood reported on the cause of death.

His death was first announced by chef Guy Fieri on social media.

“I’m heartbroken that my friend chef Carl Ruiz is gone,” Fieri said in an Instagram post. “I have no words to describe what a great friend he was to me and my family. His ability to make me laugh and smile under any circumstances was only outshined by his talent as a chef.

“Over the years, I’ve met a lot of great people but a friend like Carl is one in a hundred million. Carl ’The Cuban’ Ruiz will forever live on in my heart and in those of all who loved him.”

Ruiz appeared on several of Fieri’s shows, including “Guy’s Grocery Games,” “Guy’s Ranch Kitchen,” and “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” according to TMZ.

“Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” director of photography Anthony Rodriguez said, “I am devastated at the way too soon loss of my friend Carl. Carl, you lived life to the fullest, enjoyed every moment and were one of the truest and most loyal friends anyone could ever ask for,” Rodriguez added. “The friendship and loyalty and laughs he brought to me and all of the group of friends that knew him best, is just indescribable Carl you were definitely an original and lived the fullest and yet, way to short a life. Vaya con dios mi hermano, te amo ❤ See you in the next life, my friend,” People magazine reported.

Food Network chef Jet Tilla also mourned his death.

“You taught us how to enjoy every moment to the fullest and not live wondering what if! You are gone way too soon @carlruiz! I will always be #ruizing! You will be remembered by us all! #RIP my friend,” he wrote. “Thank you @guyfieri for bringing Carl into all of our lives.”

Chef Ben Ford added: “Our community lost a good one yesterday. Way too young RIP.”

And his La Cubana restaurant said, “On behalf of the La Cubana family, with heavy hearts, we are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved Executive Chef Carl Ruiz. No words can fully express our sadness at the sudden loss of our dear friend and brother.”

“Beyond his immense culinary talent, Carl’s larger-than-life personality never failed to entertain, enlighten, and uplift every person he encountered along his #Ruizing adventures. His fierce intellect and infectious humor knew no bounds. He was a mighty force of down home Cuban cuisine, and lived life to the fullest, just as he cooked—with ‘dancing always’ as the most important ingredient.

“Here at La Cubana, Carl paid proud tribute to his Cuban roots each night, and it is here that Carl’s legacy, undeniable spirit and passion for his culture will live on. We hope we make you proud, Carlito.”