'Top Chef' star Fatima Ali dies at 29 after battle with rare form of cancer

By Michael Rothman

Former "Top Chef" star Fatima Ali has died after a battle with a rare form of cancer, Ewing's sarcoma.

She was 29.

A statement was posted to Ali's Instagram account Saturday, stating that she died at home while surrounded by her loved ones and cat, Mr. Meow.

"When someone as bright and young and vivacious as our Fati passes, the only metaphor that seems to fit is that of a star—a beacon in the darkness, a light that guides us, on which to make wishes, from which to weave dreams," the statement read. "For all the comfort and beauty they offer us, stars, too, are impermanent. This morning a great one was snuffed out."

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Fatima was at home with us, surrounded by her loved ones and beloved cat Mr. Meow, when she left us in the early hours of the morning. When someone as bright and young and vivacious as our Fati passes, the only metaphor that seems to fit is that of a star—a beacon in the darkness, a light that guides us, on which to make wishes, from which to weave dreams. For all the comfort and beauty they offer us, stars, too, are impermanent. This morning a great one was snuffed out. Though she’s no longer here with us, her spirit will continue to steer us. We hope that you, too, will listen to her lessons: Live your life as she did—to the fullest. Pursue your passion; spread love and joy; be kind and forgiving; be generous; enjoy every morsel—from humble street food to decadent fine dining; cook for the people you love. Travel the world and seek out adventure. Help others and don’t be afraid to take the road less taken. Fatima will always be a part of us, and in fact if you look deep enough, you may find your own inner Fati. If you’re lucky enough to find her there, trust her, listen to her, because she will change your life for the better. We’ve learned a great deal over the course of her illness, not only pragmatic lessons we wish we hadn’t needed to learn about her disease and our health system, but about the immense love of which people are capable; about the power of being true to yourself; about how we can be better if we model ourselves after someone like her. We want to thank everyone from the bottom of our now broken hearts. We’re eternally grateful for the unending support, love, and generosity shown by people along the way—from random strangers we passed on the street who would tell her how much they admire and respect her; to all her doctors and nurses who did their best; the chefs and hospitality friends who are now part of our extended family; and the big wigs that reached out to see how they can make her dreams a reality. This has been a truly humbling experience for us all and even in her last chapter as she began to leave us, Fatima showed us how we should live.

A post shared by Fatima Ali (@cheffati) on Jan 25, 2019 at 7:45pm PST

Ali's friend, Alizah Raza, also posted the sad news on Instagram.

"Fatima Ali (Chef Fati!) and her brave battle with cancer ended today. Known for her win on Top Chef, but even more for her dynamic personality and hilarious wit, the young chef inspired thousands across borders," Raza wrote. "Please recite a special prayer for her and her loved ones. May she rest in power."

Bruce Kalman, who competed on Ali's season of "Top Chef," added, "It’s with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Fatima Ali today, as she has lost her battle with cancer. I will miss you Fati, and you will be in my heart forever."

Ali made waves this past October when she penned a heartbreaking essay for Bon Appetit, revealing that the cancer she battled in 2017 had returned "with a vengeance." She was told she had about a year to live at the time.

In the candid piece, she spoke about upgrading her life and living it to the fullest with the time she had left.

'Top Chef' contestant Fatima Ali and her doctors thought her cancer had vanished. Then she was told she had a year to live. https://t.co/EMOgQF4oQh

— Bon Appétit (@bonappetit) October 9, 2018

"It’s funny, isn’t it?" she writes. "When we think we have all the time in the world to live, we forget to indulge in the experiences of living ... I am desperate to overload my senses in the coming months, making reservations at the world’s best restaurants, reaching out to past lovers and friends, and smothering my family, giving them the time that I so selfishly guarded before."

And even as she was enjoying "knowing that I can finally live for myself, even if it’s just for a few more precious months," she admitted that she was frightened of what was to come.

"There’s a faint feeling deep inside my gut like a rumble of passing air, ever expanding and filling slowly until, one day, I’ll pop," she added. "I was always deathly afraid of being average in any way, and now I desperately wish to have a simple, uneventful life."

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I just want to take a moment to thank each and every single person who has ever sent love my way. Here is another update/article about my life. Head to the link in my bio. This is my truth.

A post shared by Fatima Ali (@cheffati) on Oct 9, 2018 at 7:39am PDT

Her last post on Instagram was earlier this month, where the brave woman wrote, "I know it’s been ages since I posted and most may have figured out why. I’m sick and unfortunately I’m getting sicker. Right now all I need are prayers; prayers that are simple ... I thank you a million times over for when you have given me joy. I’ll try to keep everyone updated the best that I possibly can."