Food Network star Carl Ruiz's September death was due to clogged arteries.

In a statement to USA TODAY Wednesday, Bruce Goldfarb of the Maryland Department of Health confirmed, "the cause of death is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, natural causes."

According to the Mayo Clinic, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is when there is a "buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on your artery walls (plaque), which can restrict blood flow."

Ruiz, an executive chef at La Cubana in New York, appeared on both "Guy's Grocery Games" and "Guy's Ranch Kitchen" on the network. He won "Guy's Grocery Games" and also served as a celebrity judge.

And the time of Ruiz's death, Guy Fieri expressed his sadness over the loss.

"I’m heartbroken that my friend chef Carl Ruiz is gone," Fieri posted on social media. "I have no words to describe what a great friend he was to me and my family. His ability to make me laugh and smile under any circumstances was only outshined by his talent as a chef. Over the years, I’ve met a lot of great people but a friend like Carl is one in a hundred million. Carl ’The Cuban’ Ruiz will forever live on in my heart and in those of all who loved him."

Ruiz's restaurant also paid tribute to the late chef in an Instagram post.

"On behalf of the La Cubana family, with heavy hearts, we are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved Executive Chef Carl Ruiz," a statement on the La Cubana account read. "No words can fully express our sadness at the sudden loss of our dear friend and brother. Beyond his immense culinary talent, Carl's larger-than-life personality never failed to entertain, enlighten, and uplift every person he encountered along his #Ruizing adventures."

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