Anthony Sedlak, the host of Food Network Canada's show The Main, a judge on Family Cook Off, and author of the Canadian bestseller cookbook, The Main, was found dead in his North Vancouver apartment last week.

His family released a statement about his death, saying he had an undiagnosed condition, early this week.

Sedlak won a silver medal at the World Junior Chef Challenge in New Zealand and the Food Network's Superstar Chef Challenge at age 23, before hosting his own show for four seasons.

His Family Cook Off co-host Trish Magwood paid tribute to him.

"He was such a big personality, larger than life and he'd literally jump into any scenario with his super high energy," she told the Montreal Gazette.

"We hit it off instantly and we had a ball together, laughing all the time. We couldn't believe we were being paid for what we were doing."

Roger Mooking, another chef on Food Network Canada, told Hollywood Reporter he last saw Sedlak at his Cheesesteak restaurant in Vancouver.

"There was a huge lineup and you could tell he was having fun and very proud,” he said.

The Toronto Sun described Sedlak as "tall, elegant and ruggedly good-looking" and "one of the busiest food personalities in the industry".

A statement on the Food Network Canada's website reads, "We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Anthony's family during this difficult time.

"His passing is a terrible loss and he will be sadly missed by all of us at Food Network."

smh.com.au and AP