Tragic news: Rabbitohs club legend Paul Sait (76) and celebrity chef Michael Chiarello (61) pass away
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The South Sydney Rabbitohs community and the culinary world are in deep mourning following the tragic deaths of club legend Paul Sait and Food Network star and chef Michael Chiarello.
Sait passed away at the age of 76 after a long battle with an illness and reportedly battled dementia as well.
His passing has left a void in the hearts of many, as he was not only a remarkable player but also a cherished member of the Rabbitohs family.
Born and raised in South Sydney, Sait made his first-grade debut in 1968 and quickly became a cornerstone of the team for the next decade.
His early 20s saw him emerge as a pivotal player during an era of success for the Rabbitohs.
Sait's illustrious career included playing in the 1969 Grand Final and tasting premiership glory in 1970 and 1971 with Grand Final victories over Manly and St George.
His leadership skills were recognised when he was appointed as the team captain in 1977 and 1978.
'Paul is renowned as one of the great South Sydney men of the club’s third golden era,' Rabbitohs Chief Executive Blake Solly said.
'His contribution the equal of the likes of Sattler, McCarthy, Coote and Simms.'
'He was able to earn his way into a first-grade team that won four premierships in five years and cemented his name in the folklore of South Sydney.’
Sait, who played as a centre and later as a lock, notched up an impressive 165 games and 30 tries in first grade for Souths among all of his 223 appearances.
His exceptional form led to representative call-ups with Australia, where he won the World Cup in 1970, and New South Wales.
'He was recognised as one of the two best centres to play for this club in its first century, being named in our Dream Team, and fittingly he was a life member of our club,' Solly added.
'To his family and friends, we offer our condolences and support at this very difficult time. Vale Paul Sait.'
On the other hand, the official cause of death of Michael Chiarello, a beloved Food Network star and celebrity chef, has been released.
As reported by the Napa County Coroner’s Office, Chiarello suffered an allergic reaction that escalated into anaphylactic shock, ultimately leading to a heart attack.
His sudden demise at the age of 61 has left fans and fellow chefs in shock and sorrow.
The details surrounding the incident are still emerging.
It is understood that Chiarello was taken to the hospital last month following a severe allergic reaction.
Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, who managed to resuscitate him, Chiarello later succumbed to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a brain dysfunction caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether the fatal allergic reaction was triggered by food.
The Napa County Coroner’s Office has also revealed that cocaine was allegedly present in Chiarello's system at the time of his death. However, it was clarified that the chef did not die from a drug overdose.
Instead, his recent cocaine use was allegedly a 'significant condition' contributing to his death.
Chiarello passed away in the hospital on October 7, surrounded by his family.
He was a towering figure in the culinary world, with a career that spanned several decades. He hosted shows on both the Food Network and PBS, and made guest appearances on popular programs, including Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, and The Next Iron Chef.
In 2005, Chiarello's talent and charisma were recognised with a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Service Show Host for the Food Network’s Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello.
As we remember Paul Sait and Michael Chiarello, we celebrate their contributions to the sport of rugby league and the culinary world. Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players, chefs, and fans. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Sait passed away at the age of 76 after a long battle with an illness and reportedly battled dementia as well.
His passing has left a void in the hearts of many, as he was not only a remarkable player but also a cherished member of the Rabbitohs family.
Born and raised in South Sydney, Sait made his first-grade debut in 1968 and quickly became a cornerstone of the team for the next decade.
His early 20s saw him emerge as a pivotal player during an era of success for the Rabbitohs.
Rest in peace, Paul Sait and Michael Chiarello. Image source: X/@SSFCRABBITOHS (left), X/@GetWhiskedAway (right).
Sait's illustrious career included playing in the 1969 Grand Final and tasting premiership glory in 1970 and 1971 with Grand Final victories over Manly and St George.
His leadership skills were recognised when he was appointed as the team captain in 1977 and 1978.
'Paul is renowned as one of the great South Sydney men of the club’s third golden era,' Rabbitohs Chief Executive Blake Solly said.
'His contribution the equal of the likes of Sattler, McCarthy, Coote and Simms.'
'He was able to earn his way into a first-grade team that won four premierships in five years and cemented his name in the folklore of South Sydney.’
Sait, who played as a centre and later as a lock, notched up an impressive 165 games and 30 tries in first grade for Souths among all of his 223 appearances.
His exceptional form led to representative call-ups with Australia, where he won the World Cup in 1970, and New South Wales.
'He was recognised as one of the two best centres to play for this club in its first century, being named in our Dream Team, and fittingly he was a life member of our club,' Solly added.
'To his family and friends, we offer our condolences and support at this very difficult time. Vale Paul Sait.'
On the other hand, the official cause of death of Michael Chiarello, a beloved Food Network star and celebrity chef, has been released.
As reported by the Napa County Coroner’s Office, Chiarello suffered an allergic reaction that escalated into anaphylactic shock, ultimately leading to a heart attack.
His sudden demise at the age of 61 has left fans and fellow chefs in shock and sorrow.
The details surrounding the incident are still emerging.
It is understood that Chiarello was taken to the hospital last month following a severe allergic reaction.
Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, who managed to resuscitate him, Chiarello later succumbed to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a brain dysfunction caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether the fatal allergic reaction was triggered by food.
The Napa County Coroner’s Office has also revealed that cocaine was allegedly present in Chiarello's system at the time of his death. However, it was clarified that the chef did not die from a drug overdose.
Instead, his recent cocaine use was allegedly a 'significant condition' contributing to his death.
Chiarello passed away in the hospital on October 7, surrounded by his family.
He was a towering figure in the culinary world, with a career that spanned several decades. He hosted shows on both the Food Network and PBS, and made guest appearances on popular programs, including Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, and The Next Iron Chef.
In 2005, Chiarello's talent and charisma were recognised with a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Service Show Host for the Food Network’s Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello.
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