DIED IN HIS SLEEP
CARL Ruiz, the celebrity chef, had his cause of death revealed on Wednesday.
The Food Network star, who passed away on September 21 aged 44, suffered a heart attack while he slept.
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He succumbed to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to the Maryland Department of Health, which is typically a buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in arteries which restricts blood flow - and can cause heart attacks and strokes.
Ruiz's sudden death was listed as "natural" and no foul play was suspected, according to TMZ.
The chef - who was known as "The Cuban" - was best known for his roles on foodie shows with pal and celebrity restaurateur Guy Fieri.
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He was a regular on the channel after first appearing on Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives.
Carl went on to star on Guy's Grocery Games and Guy's Ranch Kitchen and Guy expressed his grief at losing his pal.
"Today I say goodbye to one of the greatest friends and chefs I ever knew," he wrote on Twitter on Sept 28th.
"He lived life to the fullest, and loved it all. We will miss you Carl," he added.
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The Cuban-American previously owned Marie’s Italian Specialities in Chatham Township, New Jersey, with his ex-wife, Marie Riccio, and was well-known for his knowledge of Spanish food.
"I'm heartbroken that my friend chef Carl Ruiz is gone," Fieri wrote in a heartfelt tribute, when the news first broke.
"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."
Ruiz opened La Cubana in Manhattan's Meat Packing district in June, specializing in authentic cuisine from the island nation of his roots.
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