Gary Rhodes dies aged 59

59-year old celebrity chef Gary Rhodes has passed away while in Dubai.

A statement sent to The Independent said the chef died on Tuesday night. On Thursday, his family confirmed that he died as the result of subdural hematoma - bleeding between the skull and the brain, usually caused by a head injury. 

“In order to end painful speculation surrounding the sudden passing of our beloved Gary Rhodes," the statement read, "the Rhodes family can confirm that after a successful day shooting with Rock Oyster Media for ITV here in Dubai, Gary returned home in a very happy mood for a peaceful evening with his wife Jennie.

“After dinner, Gary unfortunately collapsed in their residence and was rushed to hospital but unfortunately passed away due to subdural hematoma.

“At this time, there are no other details and the family would again request privacy around this very tragic loss and again thank friends and family for their ongoing support at this time.”

Gary Rhodes was famous within and outside of the industry for his contributions to Britain's culinary culture and many television appearances in the UK and the US, including MasterChef and Hell's Kitchen. His first restaurant, City Rhodes, opened in 1997. He would own eight restaurants and earn five Michelin in his lifetime.

In 2006, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

The chef moved to Dubai in 2011 and had two restaurants there - The House Dubai and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa -  who sent a statement to The Mirror saying the team was "devastated to hear of the tragic passing of Chef Gary Rhodes OBE,"  "Not only has the industry lost a true culinary legend, we have also lost an inspirational human being and a very dear friend. 

"No words can express our sadness at Gary’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rhodes family."

Gary had been filming a TV show when he suddenly fell ill, according to production company Rock Oyster Media and Goldfinch TV.

A spokesperson for the company said: "Gary was in the middle of filming a wonderful new series with Rock Oyster Media for ITV from his base in Dubai."

"Production was obviously halted as soon as Gary was taken ill and members of the Rock Oyster Team remain in Dubai to support the family as best they can."

Chefs and industry representatives took to social media to decry his passing: 

Family statement on the terribly sad news about Gary Rhodes: The Rhodes family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of beloved husband, father and brother, Gary Rhodes OBE. Gary passed away last evening, Tuesday 26th November 2019, at the age of 59...

— Richard Vines (@Richardvines) November 27, 2019

Very sad to get a message this morning from Dubai informing me of the brilliant Chef and mentor Gary Rhodes passing last night. What a shining star for British gastronomy. Rest well Chef

— Simon Hulstone (@Hulstone) November 27, 2019

Taken me a few moments to write this as the news has devastated me ... Gary was the reason I am where I am.. a true legend , teacher , inspiration, role model and more important an incredible person - he believed… https://t.co/yV2IgJdrOb

— Paul Welburn (@paulwelburn) November 27, 2019