The Chilling Story Of Food Writer Josh Ozersky's 2015 Death

Josh Ozersky, perhaps better known as his pseudonym Mr. Cutlets, was Esquire Magazine's food editor at his time of death, per The Baltimore Sun. Before that, he served as a food writer for several other publications, including Time, New York's Daily News, and New York Magazine's Grub Street. He was also the founder of Meatopia — an event that has taken place in Florida, New York, and even across the pond in London. According to TimeOut, Meatopia is an event centered around (as its name suggests) meat. It pulls in more than 70 chefs who cook steak, barbecue, and cuisines from around the world over a live fire.

Ozersky, who was a hamburger aficionado, authored books such as "Meat Me in Manhattan," and "The Hamburger: A History," (via Eater). His long-lived career eventually earned him a James Beard Award. Per its website, the award honors not only chefs and restaurant owners, but food writers and authors as well. It seemed like Ozersky's success could only grow from there. But unfortunately, his life was cut short due to a 2015 tragedy, though you might not have known that he passed.

Esteemed food writer Josh Ozersky passed away on May 4, 2015 at the age of 47 (per CNN). According to the Cook County Medical Examiner, Ozersky suffered a seizure while in the shower that led to his accidental drowning. He was staying in Chicago to cover the James Beard Awards at his time of passing. Per The New York Times, the awards ceremony was slated for Monday night, and Ozersky's friends had last seen him performing karaoke at 4 o'clock that morning.

Many of Ozersky's loved ones issued tributes and statements following his death. "His writing was intensely passionate, intensely masculine," Esquire editor-in-chief David Granger said, per Chicago Tribune. "Everything was personal. I don't think anything was theoretical for Josh." Chef Andrew Zimmern wrote to Eater, "Josh was my friend. We talked and saw each other as often as possible. He was a larger-than-life personality." Chef Michael White remembered him as someone who absolutely loved eating. "I don't know anyone that loved eating more than Josh. He truly loved NYC. If I had a question about food in NYC, he was my go-to," he said.