Benoit Violier: 'world's best chef' found dead in Switzerland
Swiss police say the 44-year-old head of the Restaurant de l'Hotel de Ville died in an apparent suicide
Benoit Violier, who was named the best chef in the world two months ago, has been found dead in his home in Switzerland in an apparent suicide.
Police said the 44-year-old died of shotgun injuries and that an investigation into his death has been launched.
Violier ran the three Michelin-starred Restaurant de l'Hotel de Ville in the small town of Crissier, near Lausanne. It was ranked best in the world by France's prestigious La Liste initiative last December.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
His death comes just months after his long-time mentor and predecessor Philippe Rochat died after falling ill, the BBC reports.
Born in France, Violier applied for Swiss citizenship after taking over the restaurant in 2012.
Culinary greats in France and Switzerland have paid tribute to their friend and colleague. "The planet has been orphaned by this exceptional chef," tweeted French chef Marc Veyrat, while Fredy Girardet, who used to run the Restaurant de l'Hotel de Ville, told the Swiss press he was "completely stunned" by the news of his friend's death.
"I can see no motive for such an act. He was a brilliant young man with enormous talent and an impressive work potential," he said. "He gave the impression of being perfect. This news is so sad."
Violier had been due to attend the unveiling of the new edition of the Michelin guide in Paris today.
"While a Michelin star can bring glory," says The Guardian, "the pressure to maintain the rating is intense."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published