TV chef Christopher Wheeler, who appeared on the Great British Menu and worked with Gordon Ramsay, was found dead in a graveyard two days after his partner reported him missing. The 52-year-old, recently executive chef at The Hurlingham Club in London, was discovered by employees at Brompton Cemetery in Kensington and Chelsea.
Inquest details
An inquest at Inner West London Coroner's Court heard that Wheeler had taken a cocktail of drugs and that his body was found on February 27. He had been reported missing by his partner on February 25. CCTV showed him entering the cemetery alone, and police found no third-party involvement.
Assistant coroner Jean Harkin recorded an open conclusion, noting a history of mental health issues and listing asphyxiation as the cause of death. She said: "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."
Family tribute
Reading from a family statement, Harkin said Wheeler was passionate about his work as a chef and his family. The statement noted the profession demanded long hours and sacrifice, but he never complained, and he was remembered as an "exceptionally talented chef" and a perfectionist.
Wheeler is survived by his wife Simona, 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."
TV career
Wheeler made his first TV appearance on Hell's Kitchen in 2005, followed by Put Your Menu Where Your Mouth Is in 2013, and Saturday Kitchen and Sunday Brunch in 2014. In 2016, he appeared as a contestant on the Great British Menu.
