Chefs React to Anthony Bourdain's Death: "Unapologetic, Passionate, Standing Up for Everything Right" (UPDATED)

UPDATE (June 8, 2018, 1:30 P.M. EST): Eric Ripert, who discovered Anthony Bourdain unresponsive on Friday, has issued a statement: "Anthony was a dear friend. He was an exceptional human being, so inspiring and generous. One of the great storytellers of our time who connected with so many. I wish him peace. My love and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones."

The original story continues below.

Chef and Parts Unknown host Anthony Bourdain died on Friday. The cause was apparently suicide. CNN, the network that aired his food and travel show, confirmed his death in a statement on Friday. "It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain," the network said. "His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller."

Immediately after the news reports began circulating, Bourdain's chef and celebrity colleagues also weighed in on the tragedy on social media. They offered sentiments both of personal shock and sadness, but also effusive tributes to the late Bourdain, praising his fearlessness and gumption, his charisma and talent, and his willingness to speak unfiltered truth to power.

Padma Lakshmi tweeted, "I just woke up to the horrible news about my friend @Bourdain. In shock and devastated. One of the most fun and wittiest men I knew. Tony you will be missed. RIP"

Cookbook author Chrissy Teigen tweeted, "Anthony. One of my idols. Unapologetic, passionate and one of the best storytellers on the planet. Thank you for making food so exciting. And always standing up for everything right. Horrible. Why why why. Be at peace now."

Graham Elliot felt "speechless" in the face of the "monumental loss."

Nigella Lawson felt overcome enough to announce a pause from social media to process the "unbearable" loss of "a true friend."

Andrew Zimmern wishes everyone could have seen the "symphony" that was his "true friend."

Gordon Ramsay remembered Bourdain as "inspiring."

On Instagram, Jamie Oliver wrote, "I’m in total shock to hear that the amazing @anthonybourdain has just died. He really broke the mould, pushed the the culinary conversation and was the most brilliant writer....he leaves chefs and fans around the world with a massive foodie hole that simply can’t be replaced.....rest in peace chef."

Gail Simmons issued a statement that read, "It's devastating on many levels. He was a friend and mentor, one of the great leaders of our industry, regardless of if I always agreed with him. It's a massive loss for us all. My heart breaks for his family, and for the multitude of friends and fans who loved him."