Food Network Star Michael Chiarello’s Sudden Death Remains A Mystery As Doctor’s “Don’t Know What Caused The Allergic Reaction” That Killed Him

Michael Chiarello‘s loved ones and doctors are still looking for answers behind what sparked the allergic reaction that took his life at the age of 61 earlier this week.

After a week of being treated at the Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, California for an acute allergic reaction, the Food Network star went into anaphylactic shock and died, according to a statement from his company, Gruppo Chiarello.

“The doctors don’t know what caused the allergic reaction and neither does the family,” a representative from the company told People on Wednesday (Oct. 10). “They may never know.”

Before his sudden death, Chiarello was a critically acclaimed celebrity chef. He opened his first restaurant, Tra Vigne, in Napa Valley in 1987, before later entering the wine-making business with Chiarello Family Vineyards. In 2000, he also founded NapaStyle, a “retail line of artisanal foods, kitchen and home.”

Most, however, would recognize Chiarello from television. In the early 2000s, he hosted the PBS shows Season by Season, Michael Chiarello’s Napa and Michael Chiarello’s Napa: Casual Cooking. In 2003, he moved to Food Network, where he hosted the Emmy Award-winning show Easy Entertaining until 2010.

Moreover, he came in second place on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters in 2009 and third place on Food Network’s The Next Iron Chef in 2011. He later returned to Top Chef and Chopped as a guest judge as well as frequently appeared on The Today Show and The View.

Following news of Chiarello’s death, his family released a statement to Entertainment Weekly.

“We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael,” they said. “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.”

They 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.”