A top chef who appeared on a range of TV shows and worked at an exclusive London restaurant has been found dead in a graveyard. Father-of-two Christopher Wheeler, 52, who recently worked as executive chef at The Hurlingham Club in London, was reported missing on February 25.
On Wednesday, an inquest at Inner West London Coroner’s Court heard Wheeler had taken a cocktail of drugs and his body was discovered two days later by employees at Brompton Cemetery in Kensington and Chelsea, reports the Mirror.
CCTV footage and police response
Mr Wheeler was seen entering the cemetery alone on CCTV. Police were immediately called to the scene, and it was found there was no third-party involvement.
A coroner recorded an open conclusion into his death, which means the full circumstances are not yet known. However, the court heard Mr Wheeler had had a "history of mental health issues" over the years, and "asphyxiation" was listed as the cause of death.
Inquest details and family tribute
Assistant coroner Jean Harkin told the inquest: "A 52-year-old gentleman was reported missing by his wife at 7.45am on 25th February 2026, and the groundsman for Brompton Cemetery found a deceased male on the morning of the 27th February 2026."
"There was no note left by Christopher indicating any intention to self-harm," and there had been no history of him doing so. Reading from a statement provided by Mr Wheeler's family, she 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 also noted "the profession demanded long hours, commitment and sacrifice, but he never complained," and his family remembered him as being an "exceptionally talented chef."
The statement continued: "He worked incredibly hard and achieved so much during his career. He was a perfectionist and took immense pride in his work. Although his career left him with little free time, he always made sure to dedicate time to his family and the family have wonderful memories."
Career and TV appearances
Mr Wheeler is survived by his wife Simona, who attended the inquest along with his brother Simon, and their two children. The family added: "Above all, he loved his family and adored his daughters and he considered them to be the greatest achievement in life. He was a true gentleman, the best dad and partner they could wish for, and they feel incredibly blessed to have had him in their lives."
In 2005 Wheeler made his first TV appearance on the Gordon Ramsay hit Hell's Kitchen and eight years later, he was seen on Put Your Menu Where Your Mouth Is. In 2014, he appeared on both Saturday Kitchen and Sunday Brunch. In 2016, he appeared as a contestant on Great British Menu.
