Rochelle Trotter's Statement; Trotter Autopsy Inconclusive

On the evening of Nov. 5, former Trotter chefs and employees lined the street outside Charlie Trotter's to pay homage to the legendary chef, who died yesterday at age 54.

The chef, who was found unconscious in his home around 10 a.m., was pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Trotter was the first chef to bring the tasting menu to America and marked Chicago as a culinary destination.

Late last night, Trotter's wife Rochelle Trotter released a statement via a representative. No further information about the circumstances of Trotter's death have been reported. Read the statement below:

"We are incredibly shocked and deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of Charlie at our home in Lincoln Park. He was much loved and words can not describe how much he will be missed. Charlie was a trailblazer and introduced people to a new way of dining when he opened Charlie Trotter's. His impact upon American cuisine and the culinary world at large will always be remembered. We thank you so much for your kind words, love and support. We appreciate the respect for our privacy as we work through this difficult time. Details for the memorial service will be forthcoming." — Rochelle Trotter

Update: The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Trotter had an inoperable brain aneurysm, and a Cook County medical examiner spokesman noted that Trotter had a history of seizures and strokes. The autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.

Update: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Trotter's autopsy is inconclusive; the medical examiner's office will need an additional six to eight weeks of testing.