Lauded chef and TV celeb

SYDNEY — Darren Simpson, who at 21 became Britain’s youngest ever Young Chef of the Year and has been a television chef and food writer, has died in Australia, his family said Friday.

Northern Ireland-born Simpson worked at restaurants in London, Ireland and Australia and appeared in Australian television’s “My Restaurant Rules,” “Live This” and “Ready Steady Cook.”

“My uncle Darren has passed away. He was truly one of a kind! He was a funny, immature, caring guy, gonna miss you and your sick jokes! Love you Uncle Darren,” the chef ’s nephew Matt Simpson posted on Facebook.

Simpson died near his home in Byron Bay north of Sydney on Thursday afternoon, Seven Network television reported. His age was not given.

He had recently attempted rehabilitation at a clinic for alcohol addiction before ending up in a hospital, News Corp. websites reported. The cause of death has not been confirmed.

Simpson grew up in Armoy and Hillsborough outside Belfast, one of three children. His parents owned a pub. A family friend who was a chef in Bermuda inspired him to make cooking his career, Fairfax Media reported.

Australia’s LifeStyle Channel broadcast three series starring Simpson of “The Best in Australia,” based on the BBC series “The Best,” since 2007.

The series’ producer, Marian Bartsch, of Mago Films, described Simpson as “a bright spark full of all that life had to offer and a razorsharp wit to match.”

“Darren’s quick wit and quirky Irish sense of humor allowed him to shine on and off camera and forged a lifelong friendship with all who came in contact with him on the show,” Bartsch said in an email.

“He was such a lovely man. Funny, thoughtful, larger than life and a damn good chef. We will miss him and are thinking of his family at this sad time,” she added.