‘Food Network’ Star Michael Chiarello Had Cocaine In System At Time Of Death

Food Network star and celebrity chef Michael Chiarello's coroner's report revealed he had cocaine in his system at the time of his death.

According to the coroner's report, obtained by The Blast, Chiarello had recently used the narcotic drug before being rushed to the hospital in early October.

As we reported, the celebrity chef passed away at the Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, where he was receiving treatment for an “acute allergic reaction.”

The official report confirms the family's suspicions, saying he died from "exposure to an unknown etiologic agent that led to anaphylactic shock."

But, the legal documents reveal a host of other issues that contributed to the 'Food Network' stars' death.

The report reveals Chiarello suffered a heart attack during the episode, but was resuscitated by people on the scene of the incident. Due to the attack, Michael unfortunately suffered from "hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy" which is a medical term for lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain.

Investigators say other significant conditions found include the cocaine in his system and recent cocaine use, but ultimately the drugs did not cause his death.

Plus, he suffered from hypertension, heart disease, obesity, sleep apnea, and hypothyroidism.

His company, Gruppo Chiarello, released a statement following his death saying that the former Food Network star had been treated at the Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, California, over the course of a week for an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock.

“We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael. His culinary brilliance, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment to family were at the core of his being," Chiarello's family said in a statement. "He brought people together through the joy of shared meals, fostering lasting memories around the table."

His loved ones were apparently at the celebrity chef’s side when he passed away. "As we navigate this profound loss, we hold dear the moments we cherished with him, both in his kitchens and in our hearts," the family added in their statement. "His legacy will forever live on in the love he poured into every dish and the passion he instilled in all of us to savor life's flavors.”

The family had asked for donations to be made to Meals on Wheels in lieu of flowers. Funeral arrangements for the celebrity chef were kept private as the family valued their privacy.

In 2017, Michael Chiarello made a truly kind gesture to firefighters who were working to contain a fire outbreak in wine country. The late chef prepared twenty pounds of one of his favorite dishes – Spaghetti Bolognese – and sent it to firefighters who were working around the clock to contain a fire outbreak in that area.

A rep for Chiarello exclusively told The Blast that the late chef cooked without electricity at his popular Bottega restaurant which also suffered from a power outage that affected the whole region. Chiarello reportedly cooked in the dark over a gas stove to prepare over twenty pounds of pasta for the firefighters.

Chiarello and his associates were fortunately safe from the fire, which allowed them to focus their efforts on feeding the first responders who were battling the flames.