CNN's Anthony Bourdain dead at 61

[xmas74]

40. I've been out of it for years.

I know Kate Spade died. She was a KC native and it's been all over the news. I just meant I wouldn't count this in the category of "shocking celebrity deaths" because it's much more common in the industry than everyone knows.

Bourdain was outspoken about his, and the industries, struggles with drugs and alcohol. He became a vocal supporter of women in professional kitchens and over the last few years was outspoken about the deep level of harassment against women in kitchens on a emotional, psychological, sexual and physical level. Even his death will draw attention to something normally not talked about in the industry: mental health.

I just don't want to see this brushed off as a celebrity suicide. Bourdain wasn't that guy. If his death could later be used to draw attention to something often brushed under the rug it would at least be something.