Fatima Ali, a contestant on season 15 of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” has died following her battle with cancer. She was 29.
Ali’s family confirmed the news to Pakistani outlet, Dawn. Bravo also shared the news on its “Top Chef” twitter account, writing:
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news that Fatima Ali lost her courageous battle with cancer. Our thoughts are with her family at this time. People not only fell in love with her cooking, but fell in love with her personality and heart.”
We are deeply saddened to hear the news that Fatima Ali lost her courageous battle with cancer. Our thoughts are with her family at this time. People not only fell in love with her cooking, but fell in love with her personality and heart. ? pic.twitter.com/pKoZG7BDIk
— Bravo Top Chef (@BravoTopChef) January 25, 2019
Ali was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in late 2017, and though the cancer initially went into remission, she revealed last October that it had returned and that her diagnosis was terminal.
After first appearing — and winning — a 2013 episode of Food Network’s “Chopped,” Ali joined the Season 15 cast of “Top Chef” in 2017. Though she was eliminated in Week 9 of the competition, Ali was named the Fan Favorite at the end of the season.
Bruce Kalman, another “Top Chef” contestant and close friend of Ali, paid tribute to her his Instagram page.
“It’s with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Fatima Ali today, as she has lost her battle with cancer. 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.”
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