Beloved TV chef Ryan Tapp has been found dead at the age of just 37, in one of his own restaurants. The US chef was based in Houston, Texas, and best known for his programme Raw and Ruthless with Chef Ryan Tapp, which saw him travel the country to investigate different restaurant concepts. He was also the owner of two Houston restaurants – Taste of H-Town Bar and Grill, and Nola’s Chicken & Waffles.
It was at his second restaurant that Ryan was found dead on Sunday afternoon (September 27), officials from the Houston Police Department confirmed. He was declared dead at 12:09pm by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, and no foul play is suspected. No official cause of death has been released.
His brother Bryan Tapp issued a heartbreaking statement on Facebook, confirming: “Today I found out my twin went to heaven to be with my momma. Rest easy Ryan Tapp my brother. It hurts to lose a sibling, especially a twin.
“I will see you again bro. Say hey to momma for me and I will see you in my dreams and we can talk more. Love you.”
Tributes flooded in from fans, with one writing: “Can’t even work hard and enjoy the blessings without somebody trying to take from you. My heart hurts for his family. I hope they get answers and find some type of peace.”
Ryan had his own TV show (Image: Travitto)
Another echoed: “I know we all have to leave. I swear it’s times like this, you just wanna ask ‘God! You sure it was his time?’ His daughter, man. So sorry. Praying for his family. Unbelievable.”
And a third penned: “Awww RIP, I’m glad I was fortunate enough to taste your food and it was delicious. So sorry to hear this.”
Ryan started out as a personal chef before opening his first restaurant, Tapp Out HTX, in 2021. Nola’s followed in 2024, and Ryan began promoting his Taste of H-Town spot this year.
Dining and Cooking