Famed Chicago Chef Charlie Trotter has died, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
Officials say Trotter was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition Tuesday morning.

The 54-year old later died at the hospital.
We’re also learning that police are expecting to stage a death investigation at Trotter’s house.
Trotter was one of the first so-called celebrity chefs in Chicago, opening his self-titled restaurant in Lincoln Park in 1987.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued the following statement following news of Trotter’s death:
“Charlie Trotter changed Chicago’s restaurant scene forever and played a leading role in elevating the city to the culinary capital it is today. Charlie’s personality mirrored his cooking – bold, inventive and always memorable. Charlie Trotter will be remembered for serving the finest food and his generous philanthropy, and he will always have a seat at the table among Chicago’s legendary figures.”
Celebrity chefs took to Twitter to express their condolences:
https://twitter.com/Mariobatali/status/397802727197396992
CHARLIE TROTTER: chef, mentor, trailblazer, philosopher, artist, teacher, leader. He now belongs to the ages.
— GRAHAM ELLIOT (@grahamelliot) November 5, 2013
God bless Chef Charlie Trotter's family.Chicago and America lost a bright lightXOArt and Jesus
— Chef Art Smith (@ChefArtSmith) November 5, 2013
Sorry to hear of the passing of Chef Charlie Trotter. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Tom Colicchio (@tomcolicchio) November 5, 2013
This is a developing story. Check back for details.