![Rare filet mignon steak with several bites taken. [Shutterstock - Warren Price Photography]](https://images.dailycaller.com/image/width=960,height=411,fit=cover,f=auto/https://cdn01.dailycaller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/shutterstock_336156806-e1499101138686.jpg "Rare filet mignon steak with several bites taken. [Shutterstock - Warren Price Photography]")
Famous Washington D.C. restaurateur Jeffrey Gildenhorn tragically choked to death Wednesday doing what he loved — eating steak.
Also a former mayoral candidate, Gildenhorn, 74, was dining at the Palm steakhouse in the city before he was sent to the nearby George Washington University Hospital, Fox News reports. He was pronounced dead soon after.
“All of us in the Palm Restaurant family are saddened over the loss of our longtime friend and patron, Jeffrey Gildenhorn,” a spokesperson for the Palm Restaurant reportedly said. “He was an institution in our city and at our restaurant. We applaud the effort and quick response of the medical response team. Our thoughts are with Mr. Gildenhorn’s family and friends.”
Gildenhorn owns the American City Diner located on the outskirts of the city — one of the few such kinds of eateries in Washington D.C.
“Today we are mourning the [loss] of our dear boss, friend, neighbor, family and employer, Jeffrey Gildenhorn,” the staff wrote on a sign notifying passengers why the restaurant was closed Thursday. “We are broken-hearted about this sad news and ask to understand our reasons for closing today/until further notice. Our grief is overwhelming.”
The restaurant’s classic marquee-like board that sometimes greets people with political statements, now reads “Rest In Peace Jeffrey.”
R.I.P. American City Diner owner Jeffrey Gildenhorn. Going to miss his political humor and old school outdoor tweets. pic.twitter.com/8S6XJI8XVW
— C on the scene (@ConthesceneWTTG) June 29, 2017
A Jeffery Gildenhorn American City Diner message. “Mr Trump Muslims Are Americans Too”. #NoMuslimBanEver pic.twitter.com/TU0I1GgBzr
— James J. Zogby (@jjz1600) June 30, 2017
Gildenhorn’s restaurant reopened Friday morning.
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