A young man working as a chef died while running a marathon in Nashville.
Joey Fecci, 26, was found unresponsive in the Shelby Park portion of the race and emergency responders performed CPR, according to organizers of the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series.
Fecci was then transported to a nearby hospital where he died Saturday.
The man’s heartbroken family released a public statement, calling him a “shining light of inspiration.”
It read: “It is with unbearable sorrow and immense sorrow that we share our dear and beloved Joey, who passed to the other side on Saturday, April 27.
“He was a shining light of inspiration and positivity to all who were lucky enough to cross his path. He was a treasured son, brother, boyfriend and friend to many. He leaves behind a broken family who loves him so much.
Joey Fecci (photo) was a star chef in the Nashville area and tragically died Saturday during a marathon.
Fecci (pictured second from right) alongside the chefs of a famous restaurant called Dal Pescatore Santini in northern Italy.
Fecci’s cause of death is not yet clear as authorities have not released any concrete details
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series also released a statement offering condolences to Fecci’s family and friends, pledging their support during “this very difficult time.”
Marathon organizers have not revealed what led to or caused Fecci’s death, but Nashville police said he had been running for nearly four hours when he was found in Shelby Park.
Fecci’s girlfriend posted a slideshow of images of him and her together in various settings.
‘Oh Joey. I’m so sorry,” she wrote in the caption of the Instagram post. “We will never be able to fully understand. I will never fill this void in my soul. You are and have been my protector. We understood each other every piece and we loved each other so deeply I so want to hug you again.’
She ended with: “Rest in peace my love. The most beautiful, the best laughter, the best energy. I love you forever.’
Fecci (pictured) has been described as a ‘storyteller in the kitchen’
Fecci takes a selfie with his girlfriend, who paid him a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on Monday, two days after his death
Fecci is from a town of about 20,000 people in Westchester County, New York.
Fecci’s girlfriend’s Instagram post commemorating the young chef
Members of Fecci’s immediate family commented on the girlfriend’s post, with one telling her “We love you Olivia forever, you will always be a Fecci.”
He worked as a chef at Yolan, an Italian restaurant at the Joseph Hotel in Nashville, from August 2020 to January 2024. And by all accounts, he was hugely successful there.
In April 2022, the hotel which houses the Yolan restaurant proudly announced that Fecci had been promoted to Chef de Cuisine.
The announcement states that Fecci began his storied career in the restaurant business at age 15, working as a bus boy at a restaurant in Somers, New York, where he grew up.
One of the chefs working at Yolan at the time, who had known Fecci for years, effusively praised the young chef’s skills.
“Joey is a storyteller in the kitchen. His expertise and creativity are showcased in each dish that celebrates both Italy and Tennessee,” said Chef Tony Mantuano in 2022. “This promotion is a testament to Joey’s talent and dedication, and we know that he will continue to raise the bar to deliver a dining experience that combines exquisite cuisine with extraordinary service and hospitality.
Fecci has a long resume in catering at 26, having worked in Michelin-starred establishments
Fecci’s family plans to release a more detailed statement later, which could shed light on the death of the apparently healthy young man.
Fecci met Mantuano while working from 2017 to 2019 at the Michelin-starred Spiaggia, the now-closed famed Italian restaurant in Chicago where Mantuano served as chef for 35 years, according to the 2022 announcement.
Fecci then found Mantuano after being jogged by Yolan. Fecci then moved to Nashville to work alongside Mantuano again.
Fecci said of Mantuano at the time: “Chef Tony has mentored some of the best chefs in the industry – Missy Robbins, Joe Flamm and Sarah Grueneberg, to name a few. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to take on this leadership role while continuing to work and learn alongside him.
The Fecci family said they would release a “more detailed statement” at a later date, possibly shedding light on how the 26-year-old died, which is unknown at this time.
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