Celebrity chef, author Anthony Sedlak dies at 29

A young and promising chef is being remembered for his warm personality, passion for his craft and skill in the kitchen.

Food Network Canada said the untimely death of Canadian celebrity chef Anthony Sedlak is a terrible loss. He was 29.

A statement issued by his family said Sedlak was found dead in his North Vancouver, B.C., apartment on Friday, after collapsing from an undiagnosed medical condition.

Sedlak was best-known as the host of Food Network Canada's The Main, a judge on Family Cook Off, as well as author of the national bestseller cookbook, The Main.

Sedlak's culinary career began in his teens, with completion of a specialized program and four-year apprenticeship in Vancouver, and he was barely in his 20s before he had spent almost two years at Michelin Star-rated La Trompette, in London, England.

He was 23 when he won a silver medal representing Canada at the World Junior Chef Challenge in New Zealand, and just months later, he captured The Food Network's Superstar Chef Challenge.

"Anthony became a much loved member of the Food Network family, entertaining and inspiring fans through four seasons of The Main and his latest venture, Family Cook-Off," the network said in a statement issued Monday.

"It was our privilege to have worked with him. His passing is a terrible loss and he will be sadly missed by all of us," the statement said.

In addition to writing his best-selling cookbook, Sedlak helped to open The American Cheesesteak Co. restaurant in Vancouver's upscale Yaletown district earlier this year. His latest project involved reinventing the restaurants and room service menus at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites.

Sedlak's family said he had been spending most of his time in Toronto preparing for the hotel's official launch.

The statement thanked Sedlak's colleagues and fans for all their love, devotion and condolences, and said a private funeral service will be held in Vancouver.