Top Chef Masters winner Chef Floyd Cardoz has sadly passed away after testing positive for coronavirus.
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The Top Chef Masters third-season winner's family confirmed Floyd's death at age 59 on Wednesday, India's Scroll.in publication reported.
The co-owner of the Bombay Canteen and O Pedro restaurants in Mumbai, who also recently launched Bombay Sweet Shop, reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 and then died of an infection in a New Jersey hospital.
Floyd, who was raised in Mumbai, had apparently been in Mumbai until March 8, when he returned to the United States.
The Hunger Inc, the company that runs Floyd's restaurants, released a statement mourning the chef's death to Mumbai's mid-day.com on Wednesday.
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"It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing away of Chef Floyd Cardoz (59 years), Co-Founder, Hunger Inc. Hospitality, on March 25, 2020 in New Jersey, USA," The Hunger Inc said.
"He is survived by his mother Beryl, wife Barkha and sons Justin and Peter. Floyd tested positive for Covid 19, in USA, on March 18th and was being treated for the same at Mountainside Medical Centre, New Jersey, USA."
The chef revealed in an Instagram post on March 18 he had admitted himself to a hospital in New Jersey, where he lived at the time, because he was experiencing a fever, which is one of the symptoms associated with coronavirus.
After apologizing for "causing undue panic," Floyd wrote, "I was feeling feverish and hence as a precautionary measure, admitted myself into hospital in New York. I was hugely anxious about my state of health... I returned to New York on March 8th via Frankfurt."
The Hunger Inc subsequently confirmed the chef had tested positive for coronavirus.
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"Floyd Cardoz (59 years), currently admitted in hospital in New York, USA, tested positive for COVID-19 on March 18, 2020. As a precautionary measure we have informed the Health Department in Mumbai about the same," the company told Mumbai's mid-day.com.
"We are also reaching out personally to people who have interacted with him during his visit to India, so they can take necessary medical advice should they indicate any symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and/ or self-quarantine. Floyd Cardoz flew back to New York from Mumbai via Frankfurt on March 8, 2020."
Bravo released a statement Wednesday on Instagram in regards to Floyd's passing.
"Bravo and the Top Chef family are deeply saddened by the passing of Chef Floyd Cardoz. Floyd was a talented chef who competed and won Top Chef Masters. He was thoughtful, kind and his smile illuminated a room. He was an inspiration to chefs around the world and we offer our deepest sympathy to his family and friends," Bravo wrote.
Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi also paid tribute to Floyd's life on Twitter and Instagram.
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"I am beyond saddened to wake up today and hear the news of my dear friend @floydcardoz's passing. Nobody who lived in NY in the early aughts could forget how delicious and packed Tabla always was," Padma wrote Wednesday.
"He had an impish smile, an innate need to make those around him happy, and a delicious touch. This is a huge loss... not only for the professional food world, but for Indians everywhere."
"My heart goes out to his wife Barkha and their whole family," she added. "RIP Floyd."
Top Chef head judge Tom Colicchio also expressed his thoughts on the unexpected news.
"Horrible news," Tom tweeted. "Thoughts are with Floyd's family, rest peacefully my friend."
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And fellow Top Chef Masters contestant Hugh Acheson tweeted that Floyd was "a gem" as well as "an amazing human and chef."
"You were a father and husband full of love and grace. I am so sorry. I love you. Rest in Peace my friend. #floydcardoz," Hugh wrote on Twitter.
The coronavirus outbreak has led major cities, including Massachusetts and New York City, to shut down restaurants, bars, schools and businesses as the number of confirmed cases rises.
The coronavirus pandemic has also affected production schedules of dozens of television shows, including The Bachelorette, Survivor and The Amazing Race.
The third season of Top Chef Masters aired in Spring 2011 and featured 12 award-winning chefs competing against each other in weekly elimination challenges.
Floyd defeated Mary Sue Milliken and Traci Des Jardins for the title of "Top Chef Master."