Former Food Network Star Contestant Judson Allen Dies

Photo - Facebook

Chef Judson Todd Allen passed away Saturday morning at the age of 36 of a suspected heart attack.  The restaurant where Judson was a culinary lead posted the following In Memoriam message, "It is with great sadness that we inform you of the sudden passing of our friend & colleague Chef Judson Todd Allen, culinary lead of Taste 222.  We'll never forget his passion for food in creating our menu and highlighting the flavors & spices he loved.  We'll also miss his smile and passion for people as he was a cherished part of the Taste 222 and Cleveland Avenue families.  Our sympathy goes out to his family, friends and supporters."

Judson Allen was also Steve Harvey's personal chef and the author of cookbook The Spice Diet: Use Powerhouse Flavor to Fight Cravings and Win the Weight-Loss Battle .

You may recall Judson Allen from season 8 of Food Network Star where his POV was his weight loss journey.  He lost almost 200 pounds and had kept it off for about 14 years.  This is surprisingly the second contestant from season 8 of Food Network Star to pass away as Cristie Schoen was brutally murdered in March of 2015.  Coincidentally both Cristie and Judson were on Team Alton Brown on the show.