Joe Cerniglia, a New Jersey chef who was featured on Season 1 of Gordon Ramsay’s “Kitchen Nightmares,” was found dead, floating in the Hudson River at approximately 3PM Friday the 24th near W. 145th St. Early indications point to this being a suicide. A witness reported seeing someone jump from the George Washington Bridge about an hour prior to Joe Cerniglia’s body being found in the Hudson River.

The 39 year old seemed to have a lot going for him from an outsiders point of view. Cerniglia had major debt problems at his Fair Lawn New Jersey restaurant, Campania, however he was rescued when in 2007 “Kitchen Nightmares” featured his business on their show. After the show, the phone began ringing and business began booming according to Campania himself. Despite the help from the show, it is believed that the restaurant may have still been under pressure from debt, possibly putting Cerniglia under a great deal of stress. Campania was also was named one of the top 5 chefs in New Jersey by the Inside Jersey magazine.

Joe Cerniglia is survived by his wife, and 3 young sons.