A fan favorite from Top Chef has died at age 29 of a rare form of bone cancer.
Fatima Ali told the world in October in a poignant essay that she had less than a year to live because her Ewing’s Sarcoma had returned. It was particularly devastating because Ali had been “technically cancer-free” just a few months earlier, following surgery.
Ali appeared on Season 15 of the popular Bravo show, and while she didn’t win, she was voted “fan favorite” that season, reports People.
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's Top Chef (@BravoTopChef) January 25, 2019
“We are deeply saddened to share the news that Fatima Ali has lost her courageous battle with cancer,” said a Bravo statement, per USA Today. “Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.”
Ali left her native Pakistan at 18 to become a student at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and hoped to open her own restaurant someday. Two weeks ago, she posted a health update on Instagram, asking for prayers. “I thank you a million times over for when you have given me joy,” she told her fans.
(Read more Top Chef stories.)
More From Newser:
- Cops Thought He Killed His Parents. He Was Dead All Along
- Here’s What Scott Peterson Looks Like Now
- ‘You’re All Going to Die,’ Cruz Laughs in Chilling Video
