Top Chef Alum Leah Cohen’s Husband Ben Byruch Dead at 44

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Leah Cohen and her family are facing a devastating loss.

Ben Byruch—a restaurateur and husband to the Top Chef alum—has died at the age of 44, their company Pig and Khao, which they co-founded, shared Nov. 12.

“We are heartbroken to share the passing of Ben Byruch—husband to our chef and owner Leah Cohen, devoted father, son, brother, and friend to so many,” they wrote in a statement shared to Instagram. “Ben was the co-founder of Pig & Khao and its creative heart. His vision shaped who we are, and his warmth, passion and sense of humor touched everyone lucky enough to know him.”

The restaurant noted, “We ask for privacy for Leah and the family during this time. We will miss him more than words can say.”

Cohen—who ultimately placed sixth on the fifth season of Top Chef in 2008—tied the knot with Byruch in July 2016. Three years later, the couple welcomed their oldest son Carter, followed by their youngest son Baker in 2022.

The Great American Recipe judge previously opened up about working alongside her husband to build their businesses within the culinary world.

"Ben was actually hired as my line cook when we first opened and was quickly promoted to sous chef based on his skills," she told Downtown Magazine in 2016. "He was my sous chef for about a year until he made the switch to front of house. It’s much better for our relationship that we aren’t directly working together in the kitchen."

Cohen also shared what made their relationship work both on a professional and personal level.

Instagram/@leahscohen

“It can definitely be hard working with your significant other, but we do a good job of keeping business and personal lives separate,” she continued. “We try not to bring home any work drama, and if we do, we just let it out and then move on.”

Byruch's passing also comes nearly two weeks after she shared insight into a recent trip the couple enjoyed with their loved ones.

"Second time in Hawaii and I’m even more in love," she captioned a Nov. 3 Instagram post featuring photos of the pair with their family. "Huge thank you to @hifoodwinefest for having me back. Getting to cook Filipino food in a place with such deep Filipino roots meant a lot to me, and so many people came up to tell me the food reminded them of home. This is my favorite festival to cook at, and the care you put into the festival, the chefs and the community really shows."

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think following my passion for cooking would lead to so many opportunities," she concluded. "I’m grateful I get to do what I love, travel the world, and make these memories with my family."

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