Celebrity La Cubana Chef Carl Ruiz Dies At 44

MEATPACKING DISTRICT, NY — Celebrity chef Carl Ruiz, who recently opened the new restaurant La Cubana, has died, the restaurant said on Instagram.

The restaurant did not say how 44-year-old Ruiz died, but early Sunday, La Cubana wrote on social media, "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," the Instagram post said. "Beyond his immense culinary talent, Carl's larger-than-life personality never failed to entertain, enlighten, and uplift every person he encountered along his #Ruizing adventures."

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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. Beyond his immense culinary talent, Carl's larger-than-life personality never failed to entertain, enlighten, and uplift every person he encountered along his #Ruizing adventures. His fierce intellect and infectious humor knew no bounds. He was a mighty force of down home Cuban cuisine, and lived life to the fullest, just as he cooked—with “dancing always” as the most important ingredient. Here at La Cubana, Carl paid proud tribute to his Cuban roots each night, and it is here that Carl's legacy, undeniable spirit and passion for his culture will live on. We hope we make you proud, Carlito. . To honor the work you loved so much Chef, La Cubana will continue your work in establishing The Carl Ruiz Scholarship Foundation for aspiring chefs. . We love you! You are already missed. Rest easy
A post shared by La Cubana (@lacubananyc) on Sep 22, 2019 at 9:22am PDT

The Food Network star opened La Cubana in the Meatpacking District in June. Ruiz also has opened Marie's Italian Specialties with Marie Riccio in New Jersey nearly a decade ago, which was featured on chef Guy Fieri's TV show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" back in 2013.

"I'm heartbroken that my friend chef Carl Ruiz is gone," Fieri wrote on Twitter. "His ability to make me laugh and smile under any circumstances was only outshined by his talent as a chef."

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. pic.twitter.com/einY8qp7wf
— Guy Fieri (@GuyFieri) September 22, 2019

The restaurant plans to establish a scholarship fund for aspiring chefs in Ruiz's name, La Cubana said on Instagram.

The culinary world mourned his death — remembering Ruiz's laugh and ability to make others laugh.

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. Thank you @guyfieri for bringing Carl into all of our lives. #GGG pic.twitter.com/4g3Xyfq9kH
— Jet Tila (@jettila) September 22, 2019

Good buddy of mine is gone. He made people laugh who’d forgotten how to laugh. He set rooms on fire. He was the match and the kerosene. The smartest and lovable-ist asshole I knew. This one gutted me. Goodnight, @carlruiz. pic.twitter.com/kYpkgeEIEr
— Troy Johnson (@_troyjohnson) September 22, 2019

Carl you will be missed...you made us all laugh often & then laugh some more... RIP @carlruiz #toosoon
— michael symon (@chefsymon) September 22, 2019

Remembering the good times @carlruiz pic.twitter.com/0qYfH9m0XM
— Chris Lilly (@ChrisLillyBBQ) September 22, 2019