A touching story was revealed about late Anthony Bourdain in which it was stated how the TV star helped an 11-year old child suffering from cancer. The details of the story were covered by Evan Benn, editor-in-chief of Miami Indulge.
Benn shared the details in a Twitter post just hours after the news of Anthony Bourdain’s death. The chef celebrity died at the age of 61. The story began back in 2010 when Benn was writing a book for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. That was the time when Anthony first met Evan Piña-White. It was further reported by the CNN that Evan Piña-White was suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia. CNN reported that the 11-year old became the fan of Bourdain after watching one of his channel shows.
Brian Miller then told CNN that Evan spent his time in the hospital by watching the famous chef’s shows. He added that Evan fell in love with Bourdain and liked everything about his show.
Evan met his idol at the signing of the book and then asked Bourdain where he wants to eat once with him. Bourdain replied quickly. After a couple of days, Bourdain’s assistant wrote a letter to Benn asking him to send Evan to Spain and make it the happiest moment of his life, Benn wrote on Twitter. Bourdain, however, had one condition before granting this opportunity. He did not want Evan or his family to know that he was involved in all this. And then in 2012, Evan was able to fly to Barcelona with the help of Make-A-Wish Missouri.
In 2010, I covered a @Bourdain book-tour stop at #stl’s @TheFoxTheatre where a boy with leukemia asked his culinary idol where he should go eat – anywhere in the world – once he’s in remission. Bourdain didn’t hesitate: Spain. But then…1/3 — Evan Benn (@EvanBenn) June 8, 2018
When Evan reached Spain, Bourdain set up at the best restaurant for the kid, Benn explained on Twitter. While talking about Bourdain, Benn said that he was special. While talking to Benn, Evan said that he was able to push through in his treatment only due to Bourdain. While returning back, Evan told Post-Dispatch that Bourdain did not realize but he inspired many people to get out of the couch and live a little more.
He also inspired people to do something extra, Evan continued. Evan was with his parents and two younger brothers when he returned home on a cruise. The cruise also stopped in France and Italy. Evan further said that Bourdain was someone he can look up to. It was then reported by CNN that Bourdain was found dead in his hotel room in France by his close friend Eric Ripert.
Both Bourdain and Eric Ripert were filming an episode of “Parts Unknown” – a CNN series. On the same day, Evan’s mom told Miller that his son was doing great and is now a student at a college and studying on a full scholarship.
In a statement Miller provided to CNN, she said that the whole family was saddened to hear the news of Bourdain’s death. She further told that the relation of Bourdain with Evan was a true reflection of Bourdain’s character. The way he treated Evan and the level of friendship he maintained was simply amazing, White said.
Bourdain was a very good man, as well as a very good friend, Evan’s mom, told in the statement. Everyone will miss the spirit and generosity of Bourdain, White continued. She further said that the book Bourdain autographed for her son is still kept by her family.
The news of Bourdain’s death was announced by the network as it stated that they are saddened to announce the death of their colleague. The talent Bourdain had never stopped making them proud, as reported in the statement. The spokesperson of Strasbourg police then confirmed the news to PEOPLE but did not mention the cause of death. Later it was stated that Bourdain died by suicide.
After that, Christian de Rocquigny, a public prosecutor told PEOPLE that Bourdain indeed took his own life and that there is no reason to believe it was caused by foul play.
Afer that a statement was provided to PEOPLE by the US embassy in France which stated that they can confirm the news of Bourdain’s death and the condolences are with his friends and family members.
