Blackberry Farm Owner Sam Beall Killed In Skiing Accident

Sam Beall, the owner of the renowned Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tenn., was killed Thursday in a tragic skiing accident in Colorado. He was just 39.

According to The Daily Times, Beall was a graduate of the California Culinary Academy and an alumn of The French Laundry. His father, Sandy Beall, founded Ruby Tuesday in the early 70s, then purchased Blackberry Farm with the intent of turning it into a luxury hotel and farm. Sam Beall was actually born at Blackberry Farm in 1977, and under his leadership it won three James Beard Awards, and in 2013 Bon Appetit named it the best hotel for food lovers in America.

Beall was known for his commitment to sustainability. His cuisine at Blackberry Farm was prepared with produce from the farm's garden, which also served to preserve heirloom crops and as an educational facility.

When news of Beall's death was announced yesterday, several of his fellow chefs and restaurateurs took to Twitter to express their dismay, like restaurateur Danny Meyer.

Crushed to learn about Sam Beall's @blackberryfrm untimely death. More wisdom and grace at 39 than most of us will have in a lifetime. RIP.

— Danny Meyer (@dhmeyer) February 26, 2016

Beall leaves behind a wife and five children.