Food Writer Josh Ozersky Found Dead in Chicago Hotel

Josh Ozersky was reportedly in Chicago to celebrate the James Beard Awards ceremony.

A famous food critic reportedly visiting Chicago for the James Beard Awards ceremony was found dead in his hotel room Monday. 

Josh Ozersky's body was found inside the Conrad Chicago Hotel shortly before noon, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. 

The 47-year-old wrote for Esquire magazine. The publication mourned the loss in a series of tweets Tuesday, saying it is "difficult to express how much we'll miss his fervor, uniquely carnivorous tastes, and unyielding candor."

Ozersky, the former editor of New York magazine’s Grub Street food blog, was a former James Beard Award winner and had received several nominations during his career. He was also on the awards committee of the 2015 James Beard Awards, which were presented Monday night in Chicago. The Chicago Tribune reported that Ozersky was in town to attend the event. 

An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday, according to the medical examiner's office. A cause of death was not immediately known. 

Check back for details on this developing story.

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