Abed-Alruhman Sam Warden, a Sterling native, died on Wednesday, Aug. 7, his family said in a statement put out to the community in a Facebook group.
Warden, affectionately known as "Diesel," was the owner of Piccadilly Grill in Winchester, which has since been closed.
"The cause of his untimely demise remains uncertain, leaving our family in profound grief," the statement says.
Warden lost his father three years ago and was being remembered as an "extraordinary young man, renowned for his exceptional culinary skills and his radiant smile that illuminated every room he graced."
A GoFundMe for Warden's mother had raised more than $12,900 as of press time.
"Abed left us after a courageous battle to a mental illness," reads the campaign, launched by Ogun Yilmazer. "His loss has created a profound void in the lives of his family, friends and the community.
"Abed was known for his kindness, generosity and his radiant smile, which touched everyone who knew him and everyone who visited his cherished establishment, The Piccadilly Grill."
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