Top chef Benoit Violier – whose well-known three star restaurant in a tiny Swiss town sometimes appears as the world’s finest – was discovered dead in an apparent suicide in his house on Sunday, authorities said.

Authorities said an investigation was opened into the death. The statement included that the family of Violier had asked for solitude ‘to be let to mourn in peace’.

Restaurant de l’Hotel de Ville, which boasts three Michelin stars, was in December eateries across 48 states ranked by France’s ‘La Liste’.

The gastronomic guide is the French foreign ministry’s response to the Britain-based World’s 50 Best Restaurants.Observing the triumph, Violier said in the time: ‘It Is amazing, it is special for people. Our team will be only motivated by this position . ‘

Violier took over the reins after the retirement of his mentor Philippe Rochat, another towering figure in French cuisine in the year 2012, in the restaurant along with his wife Brigitte. Rochat perished a year ago after falling ill while cycling.

Opened almost 40 years past, the restaurant offers menus including 195 Swiss francs (GBP133) to 380 Swiss francs.

Game was a mainstay in the signature dishes of Violier for using local, seasonal products, and he was known.

Swiss nationality was got by him a couple of years back, according to Swiss daily Blick.

Michelin starred French chef Pierre Gagnaire was one of many of the peers of Violier who expressed their shock at his death late Sunday.

‘My thoughts head out to the family of Benoit Violier. Really depressing news about an incredibly gifted chef,’ he wrote on Twitter.