Humanitarian And Chef Matt Haley Dies In Motorcycle Crash

Chef Matt Haley, the prominent Delaware-area chef of the SoDel restaurant group, and philanthropic and giving individual who was this year's James Beard Humanitarian award winner, died in a high-impact motorcycle accident yesterday, on a six-week humanitarian tour of India.

Much of Chef Haley's time had gone to furthering the education — both culinary and academic — of disadvantaged children. When the accident occurred, Haley was en route to deliver stoves a village in Nepal with a filmmaker and eight or nine experienced motorcyclists, as part of the Global Delaware Fund, which, among other charitable efforts, is Haley's organization that helps disadvantaged children and families in places like Nepal and Nicaragua.

"We joined Matt just last month at two of his restaurants and were inspired by his plans to bring his message of making the most of second chances and the importance of a healthy recovery to people across Delaware and the country," said Delaware governor Jack Markell. "He was a world-class humanitarian and we will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

In lieu of flowers, chef Haley's family requests that donations be made to the Global Delaware Fund.

For the latest happenings in the food and drink world, visit our Food News page.

Joanna Fantozzi is an Associate Editor with The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter@JoannaFantozzi