'Iron Chef' Star Kerry Simon Has Died at Age 60

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After a two-year struggle with the brain disease Multiple System Atrophy, celebrity chef Kerry Simon has died at age 60.

The news was confirmed by Simon's friend, entertainment reporter Robin Leach, who wrote in the Las Vegas Sun that the Iron Chef star died early Friday morning in the presence of Tibetan monks at Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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"We will always remember Kerry fondly," Leach wrote. "He was a gentle man who will be missed greatly. He was still young and handsome at 60 years of age."

Leach also tweeted, "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, partners, and closest friends as they seek strength from his amazing courage in brutal two-year fight."

He then added, "Thank you for all your messages about Kerry Simon's passing. Yes he will be missed greatly. but he's got more customers than ever to now feed in Heaven."

The "rock and roll chef," who had restaurants throughout Las Vegas, was remembered fondly by the Palms Casino Resort, who wrote that, "His passion, his creativity and his spirit made an indelible mark on our property and the entire Las Vegas culinary scene that will not soon be matched."

All of us at Palms are deeply saddened by the passing of Chef Kerry Simon, who was a beloved part of the Palms family...

Posted by Palms Casino Resort on Friday, September 11, 2015

Simon had been confined to a wheelchair, and unable to speak due to his incurable disease. He is survived by his girlfriend, Erin, and three brothers.

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