Anthony Bourdain funeral plans on hold

Anthony Bourdain’s mother says that his relatives are still waiting for French authorities to send his remains back to the United States, delaying plans for a memorial service.

“They won’t be shipping his remains back for a couple of days because of formalities,” Anthony’s mother Gladys Bourdain told the New York Post.

The beloved chef, author, and host of the CNN series “Parts Unknown” was found dead in his hotel room in the Alsace region of France on Friday morning. As CrimeOnline previously reported, French authorities are performing toxicology tests but have said that Bourdain’s death by hanging appears to have been a suicide.

Gladys Bourdain said she felt there was nothing unusual about the extra wait for her son’s remains.

“Listen, I lived there for five years — nothing is done quickly,” she told the New York Post. 

Gladys said that funeral arrangements are the decision of Bourdain’s ex-wife Ottavia Busia Bourdain, the mother of his 11-year-old daughter.

“Although they’re separated, she’ll be in charge of whatever happens,” Gladys told the newspaper.

“We haven’t talked for a couple days. I’m sure she’s as broken up as I am.”

Bourdain’s apparent suicide shocked friends, family and his fans all over the world. At this time, there is no indication that he left a suicide note or told anyone of his plans. The lead prosecutor investigating his death told the New York Times this weekend the Bourdain’s death appears to have been “an impulsive act.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

[Feature image: Anthony Bourdain/Jim Cook for Associated Press]