Celebrity chef Floyd Cardoz has died at the age of 59. The US-based star reportedly died after contracting coronavirus.

The Top Chef Masters winner was found dead following complications brought on by Covid-19 at Mountainside Medical Centre, in New Jersey, on Wednesday.

The chef was first admitted to hospital last week and tested positive for the virus soon after.

In his last Instagram message, the TV chef expressed his anxieties about his health from his hospital bed, snapping a selfie while sporting a medical gown.

In his final public note, he wrote to his fans: “Sincere apologies everyone. I am sorry for causing undue panic around my earlier post.

“I was feeling feverish and hence as a precautionary measure, admitted myself into hospital in New York.

“I was hugely anxious about my state of health and my post was highly irresponsible causing panic in several quarters. I returned to New York on March 8th via Frankfurt.”

Floyd rose to fame on the US show Top Chef Masters in 2011, which he won with aplomb.

The TV network Bravo and The Top Chef said in a statement to PEOPLE: “Bravo and the Top Chef family are deeply saddened by the passing of Chef Floyd Cardoz. Floyd was a talented chef who competed and won Top Chef Masters.

“He was thoughtful, kind and his smile illuminated a room. He was an inspiration to chefs around the world and we offer our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”