Fuller Goldsmith, the winner of “Chopped Junior” and former “Top Chef Junior” competitor has died just days before his 18th birthday.
The Alabama native died following a long struggle with cancer, production company Magical Elves confirmed in an Instagram post Wednesday.
“We are devastated after hearing about the loss of our ‘Top Chef Junior’ alum, Fuller Goldsmith,” the company wrote on Instagram.
“He was an incredible chef and the strongest kid we’ve ever met. From the minute he was introduced to us, we knew he would make an impact on everyone around him and be a positive force in cooking world. To his family, we give all our love as they mourn the loss of someone truly special.”
In February the teen shared that his leukemia had returned for the fifth time.
“Unfortunately the news regarding the tumor was not what I was hoping. The same Leukemia is back,” he shared on Instagram.
“I will have 12 days of radiation and then more chemo to make sure it’s gone once and for all. Round 5- I’m ready to fight!” he wrote.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s Southern Ale House restaurant, where Goldsmith worked as an assistant to the chef, said, “Our collective hearts are broken.
“The SAH family lost our much loved and respected Fuller Goldsmith today. Fuller fought the good fight all his life. From age four until the last few days of 17 years, Fuller fought a courageous fight against cancer.
“Fuller lived to create delicious dishes and became the little brother to big brother Brett Garner our Executive Chef. He spent a lot of time in the SAH kitchen helping prep, serve, and create recipes.”
The post continued: “We will miss his presence, his smile, his laugh, his banter back and forth with Brett, and his grit as he fought the aches and pains of a terrible disease. He will be missed but forever remembered. His spirit will remain in SAH for the remainder of time. To his family our love and compassion with a huge thank you for sharing Fuller with all of us. He made all of us better people.”
At the age of 14, Goldsmith appeared on “Chopped Junior.” He won the competition and donated his $10,000 cash prize to the Division of Hematology and Pediatric Oncology at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Alabama.
Such a huge loss, my heart goes out to his family and the chefs he worked so hard alongside, he was such a bright light and inspired us all to follow our dreams despite the obstacles in our way.
May he rest in peace. Please share.
