RN74 Chef Chris Chapman Passes Away at 27 Years Old

Today Michael Mina's RN74 shared the sad news that its young chef Chris Chapman passed away this week. Chapman was only 27 years old; no cause of death has been given.

Chapman grew up in Grants Pass, Ore., and got his Associate's degree from Le Cordon Bleu culinary institute in Portland in 2008. According to his obituary, he was then mentored by The Chef in the Hat, Thierry Rautureau, at Rover's Restaurant in Seattle. From there, he headed to New York City to work for Daniel Boulud at Épicerie Boulud for six years, before returning to Seattle last year with RN74. "Christopher believed that preparing food brought people together and in turn this fellowship nourished their souls too," the obituary notes.

In a release, Mina Group said, "In his time with the company, Chef Chris touched the lives of many. His talent, grace, and passion will continue to inspire all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at the tragic time." The restaurant has not yet found a replacement for Chapman.

Chris Chapman. [Photo: Courtesy of Mina Group]