RIP

Blackberry Farm’s Sam Beall Has Died

He was 39.
He was 39. Photo: Courtesy of Blackberry Farm

Some tragic news: Late Thursday, Sam Beall reportedly died in a skiing accident in Colorado at the age of 39. He was born on Walland, Tennessee’s beloved Blackberry Farm — a 4,200-acre Relais & Châteaux resort, working farm, and food paradise — and after working at the French Laundry, Cowgirl Creamery, and various wineries, he took over Blackberry operations from his parents, Sandy and Kreis Beall. Beall helped modernize the 40-year-old farm by opening two new on-property restaurants and earning several high-profile awards, include three from the James Beard Foundation.Beall is survived by his wife and five children. The group released a statement that reads in part: “The Beall family and the Blackberry Farm team are understandably shocked by this heartbreaking news about the man they loved dearly as a son, brother, father, friend and host. They welcome the thoughts and prayers of all those whose lives were touched by Sam’s hospitable nature, visionary leadership and adventurous spirit.”

There’s been an outpouring of support from some of the country’s best chefs and writers:

[The Daily Times]

Blackberry Farm’s Sam Beall Has Died