MIAMI, FL. (THECOUNT) — Howard Kleinberg, a Miami restaurant owner who competed in season 3 of “Top Chef,” has died. He was 46.

According to reports, Kleinberg died after experiencing a heart attack.

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Kleinberg passed away over the weekend of July 23 and was celebrated at a July 26 funeral, reports Variety.

Kleinberg’s mother confirmed his death saying,

“I am just finding out how many lives he touched. He was married to his passion in life, which was his cooking.”

The official “Top Chef” Twitter account paid tribute to Kleinberg writing,

“The #TopChef family is saddened to learn about the unexpected passing of Howard Kleinberg from season three. Howie’s passion for cooking filled so many and our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends.”

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