Food Network Chef Michael Chiarello Died From Allergic Reaction, Coroner Says

Food Network star Michael Chiarello passed away last month due to a fatal allergic reaction, according to the coroner in Napa County, California.

TMZ cited the Napa County Coroner's Office as saying that Chiarello's anaphylactic shock triggered a subsequent heart attack, resulting in his tragic demise.

The coroner's office reportedly told the outlet that Chiarello was rushed to the hospital last month, where he was revived.

However, the celebrity chef succumbed to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a brain dysfunction caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow.

The specific cause of the allergic reaction remains unclear, leaving questions about whether it was related to food.

In addition to the allergic reaction, Chiarello's system allegedly showed the presence of cocaine. But the coroner's office reportedly said that he did not die from a drug overdose.

Chiarello's recent cocaine use was listed as another "significant condition" in his passing.

The TV personality died on Oct. 7 at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa after being hospitalized due to an allergic reaction. He was 61.

At the time, a representative for Gruppo Chiarello said in a statement to CBS News that "the doctors don't know what caused the allergic reaction, and neither does the family. They may never know."

The celebrated chef, survived by his four children, left a void in the culinary world.

In a statement, his family expressed deep sorrow, remembering Chiarello as a culinary maestro with boundless creativity and a steadfast commitment to family.

Described as someone who brought people together through shared meals, Chiarello's impact extended beyond the kitchen.

Born in Red Bluff, California, in 1962, Chiarello began his culinary journey at the age of 25 by opening Tra Vigne, his first restaurant in Napa Valley, in 1987.

This was followed by several other successful eateries, including Bottega, Ottimo and Coqueta.

Beyond restaurants, Chiarello ventured into winemaking with the establishment of Chiarello Family Vineyard in 1999 and launched a retail line of artisanal foods and home products called NapaStyle, according to his website.

His contributions to the culinary world extended to the small screen, where he hosted shows on PBS, Fine Living and Cooking Channel. His Food Network series, "Easy Entertaining With Michael Chiarello," ran for 10 seasons and earned him an Emmy award. He also had a show called "Michael Chiarello's Napa."

The chef also made appearances on popular shows like "Today" and "The View."