TWO weeks after returning to social media to say that her health was worsening, Fatima Ali, a contestant on Season 15 of “Top Chef,” has died. She was 29.

Bravo provided a statement from the “Top Chef” 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. 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.”

After leaving her native Pakistan at 18, Ali moved to the United States to attend the Culinary Institute of America. She graduated and went on to work as a sous chef in New York City, where, at one time, she was the youngest person to serve as an executive sous chef in her company. Her TV work also included the Food Network’s cooking competition “Chopped,” where she was the first Pakistani woman ever to compete, and which she won.

(SD-Agencies)