According to a report published by CNN today, Chef Benoit Violier, whose Swiss restaurant was crowned the best in the world last month, has been found dead in an apparent suicide, police said.
His body was discovered late Sunday afternoon in his home in Crissier in western Switzerland, a statement on the Vaud canton police website said Monday.
Violier, who was 44 years old, ran the three Michelin-starred Restaurant De L’Hotel De Ville Crissier-Suisse.
In December, France’s prestigious La Liste ranking crowned the establishment the world’s best restaurant and Violier showed up to receive the award from the French foreign ministry grinning from ear to ear.
CNN quoted police reports as saying that the initial investigation points to suicide by gunshot.
The authorities said no further comments would be issued at this time out of respect for the family.
Violier took over the restaurant’s kitchen in April 2012 from his mentor and French fine dining giant Philippe Rochat. Rochat died last July after a bicycle accident.
He was originally from France but later took on Swiss citizenship. He was known for his hunting skills, and game was something that was often reflected on his expensive $370 menus, enjoyed by many heads of state and celebrities. (Excerpts from CNN)
