A London chef who appeared on television programmes including Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen has been found dead in a graveyard, an inquest has heard.
Christopher Wheeler, a 52-year-old father of two, was reported missing by his partner on February 25. His body was discovered two days later by employees at Brompton Cemetery in Kensington and Chelsea.
Inquest findings
At Inner West London Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, the inquest heard that Wheeler had taken a cocktail of drugs. CCTV showed he had entered the cemetery alone, and police found no third-party involvement.
Assistant Coroner Jean Harkin recorded an open conclusion, meaning the full circumstances are not yet known. The court heard Wheeler had a “history of mental health issues” and that “asphyxiation” was listed as the cause of death.
Family tribute
In a statement read by the coroner, Wheeler’s family said: “He was passionate about two things above all else - his work as a chef and his family. He knew from a young age he wanted to become a chef.”
The statement added that “the profession demanded long hours, commitment and sacrifice, but he never complained,” and described him as an “exceptionally talented chef.”
Wheeler is survived by his wife Simona, his brother Simon, and their two children. His family said: “Above all, he loved his family and adored his daughters and he considered them to be the greatest achievement in life.”
Television career
Wheeler first appeared on television in 2005 on Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. He later featured on Put Your Menu Where Your Mouth Is in 2013, Saturday Kitchen and Sunday Brunch in 2014, and competed on Great British Menu in 2016.
At the time of his death, Wheeler worked as executive chef at The Hurlingham Club in London.
