Celebrity chef Darren Simpson dies after battle with illness
Celebrity chef Darren Simpson has died after a long battle with an alcohol addiction-related illness.
It is believed that the father of two suffered a heart attack on Thursday night after a recent effort to get help at a rehabilitation clinic.
Darren built a national following by appearing on show’s such as Sunrise, Ready, Steady, Cook and The Best where he competed against chef Ben O’Donoghue and cook Anne Gare.
At the age of 21, Darren was named UK’s Young Chef of the year making him hold the record as the youngest winner of the prestigious prize.
The Irish-born-chef trained in world renowned restaurants including Le Gavrouche and Sir Terence Conran’s Sartoria.
Darren was headhunted in 1999 to become the Head Chef of Aqua Luna Bar and Restaurant in Sydney and received great reviews for his “dynamic” menus.
In 2005, he opened an award-winning modern Italian restaurant La Sala (The Room).
Various restaurant and food industry friends of Darren have paid tribute to the star on social media.
His peer Jason Roberts said, “Devastated ...... RIP Darren Simpson !!! The world has lost another brilliant mind!!!! Sorry for those of you who maybe seeing or hearing this now ...”
Friend and journalist Shonagh Walker wrote, “I hope I wake up tomorrow and this is a dream” and “I know the last few weeks have been hell for you. You will never be forgotten. #love you xxxx”
Chef Adam Moore said, “R.I.P Darren Simpson you will be missed chef loved working with you.”
Image credit: Ryan Osland