Celebrities, friends and former competitors are rememberingChopped Juniorwinner and formerTop Chef Juniorstar Fuller Goldsmith who died following a long struggle with cancer at the age of 17.
Production company Magical Elvesconfirmed in an Instagram postWednesday that Goldsmith died. He had been battling leukemia for years since his first diagnosis at age 3.
“We are devastated after hearing about the loss of ourTop Chef Junioralum, Fuller Goldsmith,” said the company, which produces the cooking competition series. “He was an incredible chef and the strongest kid we’ve ever met.”
Fuller Goldsmith.Fuller Goldsmith/instagram
Top Chef JuniorhostVanessa Lacheycommented on the post from Magical Elves, sharing her grief after Goldsmith’s death.
Top Chef AmateurshostGail Simmonsalso wrote, “We love you Fuller. Thank you for spending so much time with us. Your love of cooking was contagious and you taught us so much about courage and determination. You are loved and missed, and forever in our hearts. 💔”
“The most devastating. What a remarkable soul that touched so many 💔,“Top Chefseason 16 winnerKelsey Barnard Clarkadded.
“We were devastated to learn of Fuller Goldsmith’s passing. In addition to being a culinary force and a fierce competitor, he was a supremely generous person,” a Food Network spokesperson tells PEOPLE. “Our hearts go out to Fuller’s family and his friends as they mourn the loss of such a phenomenal young man.”
Katelyn Rickert/Instagram
On Wednesday,Top Chef Juniorseason 1 winner Owen Pereira, who competed alongside Goldsmith,shared a funny photoof the late chef wearing a pair of sunglasses upside down, writing, “rest in peace fuller❤️.”
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Another season 1 contestant Katelyn Rickert alsoreposted the photofrom Magical Elves onto her Instagram Story, adding, “rest in peace fuller❤️.”
Wednesday night, Alabama Gov. Kay Iveywrote on Twitter, “He was an inspiration to all who knew him. Prayers for his family and friends.”
Goldsmith worked as an assistant chef at the Southern Ale House in Tuscaloosa, Alabam “helping prep, serve and create recipes,” according to the restaurant’sFacebooktribute. “Fuller lived to create delicious dishes.”
“We will miss his presence, his smile, his laugh, his banter back and forth with Brett, and his grit as fought the aches and pains of a terrible disease,” they said, featuring a photo of Goldsmith at the restaurant. “He will be missed but forever remembered. His spirit will remain in SAH for the remainder of time.”
source: people.com
