French-Swiss chef Benoit Violier Dead From Apparent Suicide at 44

A photo posted by @utzi.o1 on Feb 2, 2016 at 10:51am PST

MStars News has learned that French-Swiss chef Benoit Violier, was found dead over the weekend from an apparent suicide. The chef behind Restaurant l'Hotel de Ville, was only 44-years-old.

A photo posted by Benoit et Brigitte Violier (@benoitetbrigitteviolier) on Feb 2, 2016 at 1:08pm PST

According to People, Swiss authorities revealed that Violier shot himself. He was known as a "chef's chef" and was famous for contemporary haute cuisine. Violier's restaurant, was awarded "the world's best by La Liste, the restaurant rankings sanctioned by France's foreign ministry."

After his success, Violier expressed his love for his clients. He said: "The ranking that counts is that my clients continue to have pleasure coming here. I have a business to run with 54 employees. The most fantastic (reaction) is when your customers pay the bill while reserving for the next time. Last Saturday, a client broke down in tears saying what she had eaten was so wonderful."

He died hours before the unveiling of France's 2016 Guide Michelin listings. He was supposed to attend that event.

According to The Inquisitr, Violier may have been stressed out about his success, after he earned three Michelin stars. The site claimed that another chef killed himself 13 years ago. Chef Bernard Loiseau committed suicide after being depressed that he had lost rankings in the Gault Millau guide. Loiseau was also stressed out and worried about losing a star from Michelin.

Violier's apparent suicide shocked his fans, friends and workers. A number of chefs mourned the loss of a family member and tweeted the following messages seen below. Chef Paul Bocuse said that Violier was a "great chef, great man, huge talent."

Grand chef, grand homme, gigantesque talent. Toutes nos pensées vont vers la famille et les proches de Benoit Violier. — Paul Bocuse (@PaulBocuse) January 31, 2016

A sad day as we mourn the loss of one of the greats, Chef #BenoitViolier We send our best to his family & team pic.twitter.com/2eUoZ1ykym — Thomas Keller (@Chef_Keller) February 1, 2016

Thank you for all your inspiration! A safe last trip. #rip #BenôitViolier — Dave Morales Wälti (@DaveWaelti) February 2, 2016

A legendary #chef and an inspiration to many in the culinary industry has left us too soon. #BenoîtViolier #RIP pic.twitter.com/caMRqWNtBh — Veronica LePinske (@ACooksCanvas) February 2, 2016