Charlie Trotter's Death Attributed To Stroke

Results of Charlie Trotter's autopsy show that the legendary Chicago chef died of a stroke earlier this month, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Cook County Medical Examiner Stephen Cina said Trotter "died of a cerebrovascular accident (a stroke) as a consequence of hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure)... Neither drugs nor alcohol contributed to his death. Additionally, there is no scientific evidence to indicate that recent travel contributed to his death, though there was evidence of a prior stroke."

Trotter was found unconscious in his home on the morning of Nov. 5; he was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Media speculated that an inoperable brain aneurysm or recent travel to Jackson Hole, Wyo., could've contributed to Trotter's death. Rochelle Trotter released a statement at the time saying, "In January Charlie was treated for a seizure as a result of an aneurysm which was discovered at that time. His doctors prescribed the proper medication to control seizures, his blood pressure, and high cholesterol and he was seen by a number of medical experts who cleared him to travel. He returned home from his most recent trip Monday night without incident."