Celebrity chef Carl Ruiz dies at 44, restaurant announces

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Celebrity chef Carl Ruiz has died.

Ruiz made frequent appearances on the Food Network, and just opened a restaurant called 'La Cubana' this summer in the Meatpacking District.

The restaurant announced his death on Sunday at the age of 44. The cause is not clear.

A biography on the restaurant's website says Ruiz opened restaurants all over the world in his 25 years in the industry.

Ruiz also built a successful TV and radio career.

La Cubana said it plans to honor Ruiz's memory by establishing a scholarship for aspiring chefs.

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