Fatima Ali's Family Speaks Out After the Top Chef Contestant Dies from Rare Form of Bone Cancer
Fatima Ali‘s family has opened up about the Top Chef contestant’s tragic passing.
In a lengthy Instagram post shared to Ali’s account late Friday evening, her family described their final hours with her, the lessons they’ve learned throughout this difficult experience, and thanked her fans for their support and love during this trying time.
The chef was first diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in 2017. She had undergone surgery to remove a tumor in her shoulder bone and had told PEOPLE she was “technically cancer-free” at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen last July.
But in October, through an emotional essay for Bon Appetit, Ali revealed that her cancer was back “with a vengeance.” She died early Friday morning at age 29.
“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,” the family began, which featured a collage of photos through Ali’s life alongside the post.
“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,” they wrote, affectionately referring to Ali by her nickname “Fati.”
“For all the comfort and beauty they offer us, stars, too, are impermanent. This morning a great one was snuffed out,” they continued.
From there, the family touched upon what they’ve learned from the former Top Chef contestant, noting that her “spirit will continue to steer us” and encouraged her followers to also embrace her life 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,” they wrote. “Travel the world and seek out adventure. Help others and don’t be afraid to take the road less taken.”
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“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,” they added.
Finishing the post, her family thanked her supporters from “the bottom of our now broken hearts” and touched upon the “humbling experience.”
“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,” they said.
“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,” the family finished.
A post shared by Fatima Ali (@cheffati) on Sep 23, 2018 at 7:10pm PDT
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Earlier today, many former contestants from season 15 of the competition show posted on Instagram with photos and memories of their time with the chef.
Bruce Kalman shared a post on Instagram, writing: “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. I’ll always remember the great times we had, especially our interview during the tailgating episode discussing football, stadiums, and Taylor Swift. Much love, Bruce.”
Chef Brother Luck posted a photo of him and Ali embracing, saying he was “at loss right now of how much this sucks but grateful she’s no longer in pain.”
“God is gaining another angel today and heaven will be full of laughter upon her arrival,” he continued. “She was a queen who carried a heart of gold and my prayers go out to her family. I’m so grateful for the time spent with her and memories we shared. Please cherish the time you have with someone because tomorrow isn’t promised for anyone.”
“My dearest Fatima, this is how I will remember you til my time on earth is done. I will remember the hours on end we spent in the kid pool (the damn scratches) or the hot tub playing Never Have I Ever,” chef Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins wrote. “Hearing you talk about your mom with so much love and wishing my kids would speak the same of me one day. Falling asleep talking about life/boys/ dreams. Sweet dreams our Pakistaní princess, the pain is over.”
Fellow Top Chef contestant Chef Tu David Phu wrote: “I’m struggling to accept your passing. You had so much more to offer. However, there’s one thing I know for sure #god now has another #angel. You are truly an #inspiration. Your strength has taught me so much.”
A post shared by Padma Lakshmi (@padmalakshmi) on Jan 25, 2019 at 4:46pm PST
Late Friday, Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi also paid tribute to her friend in an emotional Instagram video, which featured several photographs of the pair together, as well as a few solo shots of Ali.
Along with a sentimental message and some words borrowed from Ali, the clip played to the tune of Carole King’s “So Far Away.”
“Goodbye lil’ sis,” wrote Lakshmi, 48. “One of our brightest stars has fallen from the sky…. I have no words, but here are some of hers: ‘I dream of being better. I dream of being myself again, but I know I’ll never quite be the same, and that’s okay. I know I’ll be different, and, despite the worry that settles into me every time I wake up, I look forward to meeting that woman one day.’ #teamfati”
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Shortly after her death, a representative for Bravo confirmed her passing to PEOPLE: “We are deeply saddened to share the news that Fatima Ali has lost her courageous battle with cancer. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.”
“People not only fell in love with her cooking, but fell in love with her personality and heart. We hope that the beautiful memories shared with her will provide comfort to everyone who knew and loved her,” they added.
