During a June 2021 episode of Chopped on Food Network, fans witnessed skilled chef Taylor Hurt fight for the $10,000 prize. At the end of the competition, producers revealed that the pre-taped show was dedicated to Taylor, who had unexpectedly died a few months prior. Scroll down for more information on what happened to her and the legacy she left.
Who was Taylor Hurt from ‘Chopped'?
Taylor was born on August 6, 1990, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She followed her culinary passion and worked at the Birdhouse Cafe in the little town. The cook eventually relocated to Brooklyn, New York, to advance her profession and started working at LaRina Pastificio & Vino restaurant. One of her meals was featured in the cookbook Be Nourished.
Taylor expressed gratitude on Instagram in November 2019. “This year has brought so many blessings, and I continue to have so much to be thankful for,” the TV personality said. “My loving, caring family is always at the top of my list.”
The Chopped alum also praised her “incredible girlfriend” and “wonderful friends” in the caption. Taylor was dating Paige Pirtle, and they had a puppy. Soon after her heartfelt Instagram post, she was chosen to compete on Chopped, a lifetime ambition of hers finally realized.
How did Taylor Hurt die?
Taylor Hurt's cause of death has not yet been made public, and neither her family nor her partner have spoken out about it. In reality, the cooking series was many people's sole proof that she had died.
Some hypothesized as to why Taylor was not active on her social media platforms, but no one expected that her death would be the main reason.
Her last Instagram post was on November 19, 2020, ten days before her terrible death. It promotes both her career and Chef Katie Dixon's book, ‘Be Nourished.'
With that said, Brandi Emmons Lott recently posted on Facebook that Taylor may have succumbed to an addiction. Her caption read, “It was a true blessing to meet you again, Taylor M. Hurt.
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You looked extremely confident on Chopped, and I am proud of you! Addiction is a wicked, terrible thief!! We love you, big Tater!!”
From what we can learn, Brandi is also a Mississippi native, but we don't know if she knew Taylor or what transpired. As a result, we can only speculate until Taylor's family discloses more information, if at all.
