Fellow 'Top Chef' contestants Bruce Kalman and Claudette Wilkins also share their feelings following the devastating news.
- Jan 26, 2019
AceShowbiz - Fatima Ali has died on Friday, January 25 following a battle of a rare form of cancer. Fatima, who was also known as Chef Fati on "Top Chef" season 15, was 29.
Fatima was previously diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, early in the 2017 run of her season of the Bravo cooking competition. Following chemotherapy, she was declared cancer-free in February last year before the terminal disease returned in September.
Following her passing, Bravo released a statement to express its condolence towards the passing of one of its stars. "On behalf of the entire @BravoTopChef family, we are deeply saddened to share the news that Fatima Ali has lost her courageous battle with cancer. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time," the network wrote on Instagram.
"People not only fell in love with her cooking, but fell in love with her personality and heart. We hope that the beautiful memories shared with her will provide comfort to everyone who knew and loved her," it continued.
Fellow "Top Chef" contestant Bruce Kalman also took to the photo-sharing platform to share his feelings in the wake of the disheartening news. "It's with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Fatima Ali today, as she has lost her battle with cancer," he said alongside a photo of him visiting Fatima at the hospital. "I will miss you Fati, and you will be in my heart forever. I’ll always remember the great times we had, especially our interview during the tailgating episode discussing football, stadiums, and Taylor Swift. Much love, Bruce."
Bruce is not the only Fatima's castmate who was left devastated. Claudette Wilkins shared, "Hard to explain the bonds that happen during our time together," while posting a friendly pic of her and the late chef. "I wish they [sic] under better circumstances that we were together but when one hurts we all hurt and we rally. @cheffati is loved beyond belief and we will be here for her and each other," Claudette added.
Earlier this year, Fatima gave an update on her health, explaining on Instagram that she was "getting sicker." She opened her heartbreaking message, "I know it's been ages since I posted and most may have figured out why. I'm sick and unfortunately I'm getting sicker."
The 29-year-old chef cried for prayers, because "right now all I need are prayers; prayers that are simple." She also asked for everyone's forgiveness, writing, "I hope, because a wish is putting on too much responsibility on the other, that you will somehow find forgiveness in your big heart for whenever I must have hurt you."
"I thank you a million times over for when you have given me joy," she continued, before concluding her message with a promise, "I'll try to keep everyone updated the best that I possibly can."
