“Top Chef” alum Leah Cohen’s husband, Ben Byruch, has died at 44.
The news was announced Thursday, November 12, in an Instagram statement from Pig & Khao, the restaurant Cohen and Byruch co-founded.
“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,” the restaurant shared.
“Ben was the co-founder of Pig & Khao and its creative heart,” the statement continued. “His vision shaped who we are, and his warmth, passion and sense of humor touched everyone lucky enough to know him.”
The restaurant also asked for privacy for Cohen and her family.
“We will miss him more than words can say,” the statement concluded.
Byruch’s cause of death has not been disclosed.
Cohen and Byruch married in July 2016 and shared two young sons, Carter Graham, 7, and Baker Scott, 4.
Leah Cohen and Ben Byruch Built Their Restaurant Business Together
Cohen and Byruch worked together as co-founders of Pig & Khao, a restaurant known for its Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine.
Cohen competed on season 5 of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” which aired between 2008 and 2009.
She later appeared as a judge on “The Great American Recipe” and competed on “Tournament of Champions.”
Byruch worked alongside his wife on their restaurant business, with Pig & Khao crediting him for helping shape the company’s identity.
The restaurant’s announcement described him as a devoted family member and friend while recognizing his contributions to the business.
The couple had been married for just over 10 years at the time of his passing, according to the Daily Mail.
Cohen Previously Opened Up About Welcoming Their First Child
Cohen and Byruch welcomed their first son, Carter Graham, in 2019.
Following his birth, Cohen spoke to Page Six about adjusting to life with a newborn.
“Our little Carter is a vampire,” Cohen joked at the time. “He sleeps all day and is up all night!”
The chef also revealed that she had suspected she was expecting a boy before doctors confirmed the baby’s sex.
“Then they said it. I was thrilled. I’m, like, a tomboy,” she explained.
Cohen said Carter arrived 11 days ahead of his due date, leaving the couple scrambling to finish preparing for his arrival.
“We were 95% ready, but the 5% that wasn’t ready [was important], like the bassinet,” she recalled.
At the time, Cohen wasn’t planning to expand their family immediately.
“If I decide to have another kid — not anytime soon,” she said.
Three years later, in 2022, Cohen and Byruch welcomed their second son, Baker Scott.
‘Top Chef’ Alum Shared Family Photos From Hawaii Before Husband’s Passing
Earlier in November, Cohen shared photos from a family trip to Hawaii, where she, Byruch and their two sons attended the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival.
The Instagram photos showed the family spending time together during the trip.
“Second time in Hawaii and I’m even more in love,” Cohen wrote in the caption.
She also expressed appreciation for being able to combine her career with family travel.
“I’m grateful I get to do what I love, travel the world and make these memories with my family,” she added.
The family vacation took place shortly before Pig & Khao announced Byruch’s passing.
Fundraiser Launched to Support Leah Cohen and Her Two Sons
Following Byruch’s passing, a GoFundMe fundraiser was established in his memory to provide financial support for Cohen and their children.
The fundraiser is titled “In Loving Memory of Ben Byruch.”
Pig & Khao’s statement also recognized the people whose lives Byruch had touched through his work and personal relationships.
The restaurant asked that Cohen and her family be given privacy as they grieve.
‘Top Chef’ Alum Leah Cohen Faces Heartbreaking Loss as Husband Ben Byruch Dies at Age 44