The 44-year old chef was found dead at his home in Crissier, near Lausanne, yesterday in an apparent suicide as local police confirmed that he appeared to have died from ‘self-inflicted gunshot wounds’.

Violier’s restaurant, l’Hotel de Ville, was named the best of 1,000 around the world in December by the French La Liste ranking.

He took over the restaurant in 2012, alongside his wife, following the retirement of his mentor Philippe Rochat, who died last year.

Amongst his signature dishes was game and he published a book on the topic last year.

A number of industry figures have paid their respects to Violier on Twitter, including James Martin.

So sad to hear of Benoit Violier. One of the world's best pic.twitter.com/LggH92mfcJ

— James Martin (@jamesmartinchef) February 1, 2016

Food and restaurant critic Andy Hayer.

Incredibly sad to hear of the death of 3 star chef Benoit Violier at just 44 years old. https://t.co/2MmNMIFJW3 pic.twitter.com/PVYja7r1Pk

— Andy Hayler (@wyahaw) January 31, 2016

Michelin-starred French chef Pierre Gagnaire

Mes pensées vont à la famille de Benoît Violier. Une bien triste nouvelle pour un chef extrêmement talentueux...

— Pierre Gagnaire (@PierreGagnaire) January 31, 2016