Condolences for Matt Haley

The Delaware restaurant community, colleagues, friends and politicians are expressing condolences for Sussex County restaurateur Matt Haley, who died Tuesday night in India:

The Delaware Restaurant Association:

"There is no one else I know that exemplified such passion and commitment for helping those in need" said Carrie Leishman, president and CEO.

"Matt's commitment to service was fueled by the support he received during earlier struggles in his life. His message was crystal clear and never wavered: anything is possible, and everyone deserves a second chance. He is an inspiration not only to those in Delaware's restaurant community, but to all those he has touched through his humanitarian efforts."

U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.):

"Delaware and the world lost a great humanitarian last night. While many people knew Matt as a great chef and restaurateur, my deepest respect came from meeting him in his role as a board member for La Esperanza, an organization that supports the integration and empowerment of the Hispanic community in Sussex County. I was both touched and impressed by his servant leadership and efforts to bring hope to so many both here and abroad.

"My heart goes out to Matt Haley's family and friends and all whose lives he touched."

The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation:

We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and Joshua M. Freeman Foundation Board member, Matt Haley. Matt joined our Board of Directors in 2012, and his impact on our organization's operations and outlook was immediate. Matt's work with the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation was short, but everlasting. His passion for food and philanthropy was infectious, and he used both to improve the lives of others. We know that he left his mark on this world both locally, and globally, and we will forever be grateful for his service to our organization and our community.

The James Beard Foundation:

The James Beard Foundation is deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic death of Delaware restaurateur and philanthropist Matt Haley, who passed away last night at the age of 53, after suffering injuries in an accident while on a humanitarian trip. Haley, who was honored with the 2014 James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year award, was a selfless advocate for underprivileged youth in America and abroad, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities and nonprofits.

"Our Foundation honored Matt this year not only for his compassion and commitment to helping disadvantaged children and families locally in Delaware, but also for dedicating his time and resources to help people around the world," said president Susan Ungaro.

"We are shocked and saddened by the news of his death. He was on his way to Nepal to do the relief work for which he was so beloved. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends in the restaurant community of Delaware and to the thousands of people whose lives he touched and changed."

U.S. Congressman John Carney (D-Del.):

"I'm very sad to hear of Matt Haley's passing. It's devastating news for all of Delaware, but in particular, the Sussex County community where his caring, giving presence was most clearly felt.

Just yesterday, I rode along with a group of Meals on Wheels volunteers in Lewes to help deliver healthy food to those in need. We met at one of Matt's restaurants, Fish On, and I was told by an organizer of Matt's recent commitment to preparing thousands of free meals from Fish On for Meals on Wheels recipients.

That's just one example of Matt's commitment to service. He was a tremendous ambassador for the state of Delaware, and worked tirelessly to leverage his success for the good of others."

Sam Calagione, founder of Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton:

"It's a really sad day for Delaware and the restaurant community. Matt Haley was not only a great restaurateur but a great philanthropist and he touched a lot of people not just locally but globally. We lost one of the great leaders of our industry when Matt died. My heart goes out to all of his coworkers at SoDel Concepts and he will be missed.

"I'll just remember him for being innovative, competitive and really motivated to better the perception of the southern Delaware culinary world. He was a real leader down here. Very diverse and creative in terms of what he did with restaurants and that made everybody raise their game. He was good at what he did and he will be missed."

Xavier Teixido of Harry's Hospitality Group via Facebook:

"Very sad day for the Delaware restaurant community. Matt Haley was truly an individual 'beyond category.' He passed just as he was beginning a new chapter in an already very interesting life. He was very appreciative of what the restaurant community afforded him and he used it very wisely, unselfishly and in creative ways without barriers. I really respected that. He loved all people. RIP Matt, I am glad to have known you and I appreciated all that you brought to our community. My condolences go out to the entire SoDel restaurant family."

Hari Cameron, chef and owner of a(MUSE.) in Rehoboth Beach:

"He was always very supportive of the food community. I know his giving spirit will live on in the Delaware community."

Vita Nova at the University of Delaware via Facebook:

"Our hearts are so sad and heavy right now. We recently heard the terrible news of the untimely death of one of the 'best of the best', Matt Haley. His legacy is tremendous and saying he will be 'sadly' missed seems like such an understatement at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his restaurant family and all of the people his kind heart touched. He's a gem."

Chelsea Tavern, Wilmington via Facebook:

"All of us here at Chelsea Tavern would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and employees of Chef Matt Haley.

Men such as Matt come along once in one's lifetime. He will be incredibly missed."

Domaine Hudson wine bar & eatery, Wilmington via Facebook:

"Matt Haley made us all better. His generosity of heart and spirit brought light to the dark corners of our world, making each of us proud to be part of the restaurant fraternity. From everyone at Domaine Hudson to Matt's family, friends and colleagues: take comfort in knowing that Matt's light shines on."

La Fia Market + Bakery + Bistro, Wilmington, via Facebook:

"We are truly saddened to hear of the loss of our friend, Matt Haley. Our sincere condolences go out to his loved ones. We will miss him and he will always be in our thoughts."

Paul Herdman, President and CEO of the Rodel Foundation of Delaware:

"Matt Haley was one of the good ones - I only got to know Matt in the last few years, but I was so sad to hear of his passing today. Matt shared his story of hitting tough times earlier in his life and not only rebuilding his life through food, but rebuilding the lives of people, particularly young people, in the toughest of situations around the world."

"I saw him at an event in Wilmington a couple of weeks ago and I shared that I had just come back from a 10-day trip with my son in Guatemala where we did some adventure travel and service and he said, 'I wish you had told me, I might have come with you.' He was full of life, humble, and giving. He was one of the good ones. Somebody who gave a lot to this community and this world. A real loss."

Daily Times reporter Rachael Pacella and Jon Bleiweis of the Beachcomber/Delaware Coast Press/Wave contributed to this story.

Contact Patricia Talorico at (302) 324-2861 or ptalorico@delawareonline.com. Read her culinary blog Second Helpings at www.delawareonline.com/blog/secondhelpings and follow her on Twitter @pattytalorico