Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives star, Carl Ruiz, has passed away at the age of 44. Ruiz was best known for his roles on the hit show where he and his pal, Guy Fieri, would travel the United States looking for delicious comfort food that doesn’t break the bank. Ruiz died in his sleep and doctors suspect it was a heart attack, but the cause of death is not officially known at this time.
Celebrities are coming out to show their love and grief for the passing of one of the more likeable characters on the Food Network.
Guy Fieri took to Twitter to write, “I’m heartbroken that my friend chef Carl Ruiz is gone. 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.”
Jet Tila also took to Twitter with, “You taught us how to enjoy every moment to the fullest and not live wondering what if! You are gone way too soon @carlruiz! I will always be #ruizing! You will be remembered by us all! #RIP my friend. You you @guyfieri for bringing Carl into all of our lives. #GGG”
Chef Ben Ford, whose parents are Harrison Ford and Mary Marquardt posted, “Our community lost a good one yesterday. Way too young RIP.”
The director of photography for Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Anthony Rodriguez, said, “To say he was a great chef, would be putting it lightly. To say he was funny, would be putting it lightly and to say that he was a great friend would be putting it very lightly. I am devastated at the way too soon loss of my friend Carl. Carl, you lived life to the fullest, enjoyed every moment and were one of the truest and most loyal friends anyone could ever ask for. The friendship and loyalty and laughs he brought to me and all of the group of friends that knew him best, is just indescribable Carl you were definitely an original and lived the fullest and yet, way to short a life. Vaya con dios mi hermano, te amo. See you in the next life my friend.”
Carl Ruiz previously owned Marie’s Italian Specialties in Chatham Township, New Jersey where he worked with his wife at the time, Marie Riccio. The Cuban-American was also well-known for his knowledge of Spanish food.