Charlie Trotter Dead At 54: Sad news for the food industry, Trotter is a Chicago chef who's well known for his culinary achievements.

The award-winning chef was found inside his Lincoln Park home unconscious and not breathing by his son, Dylan.

According to a family friend, Dylan called an ambulance at around 10:45 am after which the lifeless body of the famous Chicago chef was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Rochelle Trotter, Charlie's wife release a statement Tuesday night saying: "We are incredibly shocked and deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of Charlie at our home in Lincoln Park.  He was much loved, and words can not describe how much he will be missed.

"Charlie was a trailblazer and introduced people to a new way of dining when he opened Charlie Trotter's.  His impact upon American cuisine and the culinary world at large will always be remembered."

"We thank you so much for your kind words, love and support," she added.  "We appreciate the respect for our privacy as we work through this difficult time. Details for the memorial service will be forthcoming."

In 1987 Trotter opened the Charlie Trotter restaurant at Armitage Avenue. He became famous with his incredible creativity, the self-taught chef was known for his "never-repeat-a-dish" aphorism, he instantly became famous nationwide.

He received numerous awards and recognitions, he was named the country's Outstanding Chef by James Beard Foundation in 1999, the following year the Wine Spectator magazine recognized his restaurant as the best restaurant in the country. The award he was most proud because it represented "a team award" was the 2002 Beard Award for Outstanding Service.

Charlie did not only make a name in the food industry because of his culinary excellence, he was recognized with the James Beard Foundation's Humanitarian of the Year award in 2012 for the Charlie Trotter Education Foundation he build to help culinary students in pursuing their dreams.

Larry Stone, a good friend and Sommelier of Trotter in the late 80s and 90s said, "He was a great inspiration in my life and a fantastic partner." He returned to work with Trotter last year to close up the famous Charlie Trotter Restaurant.

Stone revealed that Charlie and his family were aware of his brain aneurysm. Because of his medical condition the famous chef was restricted by his doctors to fly and avoid being in high altitude areas because of the pressure in his brain.