Gary Rhodes cause of death: Celebrity chef died of head injury, family reveal

Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes collapsed at home from a fatal head injury, his family has said.

Rhodes suffered a subdural hematoma, usually associated with a brain injury, and was rushed to hospital. It is unclear what caused the injury.

A subdural hematoma is when blood becomes trapped between the skull and surface of the brain.

The family said in a statement: “In order to end painful speculation surrounding the sudden passing of our beloved Gary Rhodes OBE, the Rhodes family can confirm that after a successful day shooting with Rock Oyster Media for ITV here in Dubai, Gary returned home in a very happy mood for a peaceful evening with his wife Jennie.

"After dinner, Gary unfortunately collapsed in their residence and was rushed to hospital but unfortunately passed away due to subdural hematoma.

"At this time, there are no other details and the family would again request privacy around this very tragic loss and again, thank friends and family for their ongoing support at this time.”

Tributes poured on yesterday after the Masterchef star's sudden death aged 59, with his wife Jennie by his bedside.

Rhodes, a Michelin star chef, was known for his gelled spiky hair and appeared on Masterchef, Ready Steady Cook, Hell’s Kitchen, and the 2008 series of Strictly Come Dancing

He rose to fame in the Nineties with shows like Rhodes Around Britain and New British Classics, championing British dishes worldwide.

Friends close to the beloved star told on Wednesday how he "slipped and banged his head" while filming in Dubai.

Vineet Bhatia, a British cook, was filming with Rhodes and said he appeared fit and healthy, saying in his final words: "Life couldn't be better."

He added: "I have been told by friends in Dubai that he slipped and banged his head and was then taken to hospital.

"I wish I could have been there for him. He was such a lovely man. So friendly and enjoying his life."

Tributes flooded in from across the world on Wednesday, led by Jamie Oliver who hailed Rhodes a "fantastic chef and incredible ambassador for British cooking". Gordon Ramsay called him "a chef who put British Cuisine on the map".

Grosvenor House Dubai and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort And Spa, home of his Dubai steakhouse, said its team was "devastated" and said the industry had lost a "true culinary legend".

In a heartbreaking Instagram post on Monday, hours before his father's death, George Rhodes showed him and his dad smiling in a wedding photo, captioned with a blue heart emoji.