TV celebrity chef Darren Simpson passed away on Thursday night after suffering a fatal heart attack in hospital, according to reports by The Daily Telegraph.
The Sydney Morning Herald report that Darren “recently left a rehabilitation facility in Queensland before he died in a Brisbane hospital on Thursday afternoon”.
The TV personality leaves behind his wife, Julie, and two boys, Hamish, 12, and Angus, 14.
Darren became a household name appearing on shows like Sunrise, Ready Steady Cook and Lifestyle FOOD channel’s The Best, where he competed against fellow chefs Ben O’Donoghue and Anna Gare.
Darren was considered to be one of the best and brightest chefs in the cooking world.
At the age of 21, the father-of-two was named UK’s Young Chef of the Year.
His culinary friends shared their grief over his sudden passing.
Fellow chef Jason Roberts penned a tribute on Facebook, saying, “Devastated …… RIP Darren Simpson !!! The world has lost another brilliant mind!!!! Sorry for those of you who maybe seeing or hearing this now …”
While journalist Shonagh Walker fondly spoke of her dear friend “Dazza”, “I hope I wake up tomorrow and this is a dream. I know the last few weeks have been hell for you. You will never be forgotten. #love you xxxx”
Iconic chef Rick Stein’s wife, Sarah, responded to the post, “Lovely words Shonagh Walker. I am in such shock, loved Darren. Had such fun times with him and … very generous xx”
