The cause of the death of Food Network chef Carl Ruiz was revealed, according to a report.
Ruiz died at the age of 44 in September of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the Maryland Department of Health confirmed to TMZ on Wednesday.
The Mayo Clinic said that the condition results in the hardening of arteries and a buildup of cholesterol as well as fat that forms plaque in artery walls.
He appeared on shows including “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” and “Guy’s Grocery Games.”
The TMZ report said that his death was natural, meaning that no foul play was involved.
Many chefs and Food Network stars mourned his death, including Guy Fieri.
“I’m heartbroken that my friend chef Carl Ruiz is gone,” wrote Fieri. “I have no words to describe what a great friend he was to me and my family. His ability to make me laugh and smile under any circumstances was only outshined by his talent as a chef.”
Fieri explained: “Over the years, I’ve met a lot of great people, but a friend like Carl is one in a hundred million. Carl‘ The Cuban’ Ruiz will forever live on in my heart and in those of all who loved him.”
His restaurant in New York, La Cubana, also issued a statement.
“On behalf of the La Cubana family, with heavy hearts, we are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved Executive Chef Carl Ruiz. No words can fully express our sadness at the sudden loss of our dear friend and brother,” it said.
Notable Celebrity Deaths in 2019
Ric Ocasek
Musician Ric Ocasek and model Paulina Porizkova attend the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Children's Defense Fund's Beat the Odds Program at Guastavino's in New York City on Dec. 6, 2010. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Eddie Money
Musician Eddie Money performs onstage during the iHeart80s Party 2017 at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Jan. 28, 2017. Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
Peter Fonda
Peter Fonda in a 2009 photo. Glenn Francis of www.PacificProDigital.com via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license
Beth Chapman
Duane 'Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman (L) and Beth Chapman attend the Vettys Presidential Inaugural Ball at Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington on Jan. 20, 2017. Teresa Kroeger/Getty Images
Doris Day
Actress and animal rights activist Doris Day poses for photos after receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award she was presented with at the annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Jan. 28, 1989. AP Photo
John Singleton
John Singleton attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, Calif., on March 4, 2018. He died in late April after a stroke. Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Nipsey Hussle
Nipsey Hussle and Lauren London in Los Angeles, on Feb. 7, 2019. The rapper was shot dead in late March. Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images
Luke Perry
Undated file photo of Luke Perry. Newsmakers
Peter Tork
Peter Tork of the Monkees died at 77 in Feb. 2019. Noel Vasquez/Getty Images
Albert Finney
British actor Albert Finney died in Feb. 2019 at the age of 82. Lucy Nicholson/AFP/Getty Images
