Gordon Ramsay Responds To ‘MasterChef’ Finalist’s Suicide
World-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay recently responded to MasterChef Josh Marks’ death. The 26-year-old contestant reportedly committed suicide last week.
According to CNN, Marks was in “the battle of his life fighting mental illness” when he ended his own life on Friday. His family blamed a lack of treatment and easy access to weaponry for the young chef’s suicide.
Shortly after news of the MasterChef finalist’s suicide first broke, Gordon Ramsay issued a tweet about the contestant’s tragic death.
“Just heard the devastating news about Josh Marks. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this tragic time,” the Hell’s Kitchen star wrote.
Ramsay wasn’t the only person associated with MasterChef affected by Josh Marks’ passing. The production company behind the popular TV show and Fox also issued an official statement on the matter.
The press release read:
“All of us at ‘MasterChef,’ Shine America, One Potato, Two Potato and Fox are incredibly saddened by the news of Josh Marks’ passing. He was a wonderful person and an incredible talent. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”
According to TMZ, Josh Marks was diagnosed with schizophrenia 24 hours before he committed suicide. The MasterChef finalist’s mother explained that her son completed a treatment program on Thursday. Marks was previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
“It is overwhelming to think that with proper, intensive treatment, Joshua may still be with us. He was a jewel with so much talent to offer this world. But, in his state of mind, he turned to the streets for a gun and easily got it,” Marks’ lawyer Lisa Butler told CNN.
Gordon Ramsay wasn’t the only person shocked to hear about Josh Marks’ suicide. Check out a handful of Twitter reactions to the news below.
My heart goes out to the family of #MasterChef finalist Josh Marks, who passed away today. Please send thoughts/prayers their way! RETWEET
— GRAHAM ELLIOT (@grahamelliot) October 12, 2013
Tougaloo College is mourning. One of our own MasterChef Josh Marks has gone one home to be with our Father. #RIPJoshMarks
— Dr.R. Williams Esq. (@TheGreatEsquire) October 12, 2013
Josh Marks was one of my favorite contestants on MasterChef. Sad to see his life cut short at 26.
— Ian (@rmt834) October 15, 2013
Are you a fan of Gordon Ramsay and MasterChef? Were you shocked to learn of finalist Josh Marks’ recent passing?
[Image via s_bukley / Shutterstock.com]
