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An award-winning hot sauce pioneer is being remembered with love by friends and foodies after he lost his battle with cancer.
Northland business owner Clint Meyer, the creator of Fire Dragon Chillies, died peacefully at home on Friday evening surrounded by his family.
“We thank everyone for their support duringthis tough time,” his family wrote on social media.
“Much love to everyone who is grieving out there for our beloved partner and dad.”
Close friend Jacob McGowan, who had started a Givealittle page to support Meyer with cancer treatment costs, said: “Knowing the eventual outcome and it actually happening has not lessened the loss felt of this beautiful person.”
Meyer revealed in a social media post just before Christmas that he had been diagnosed with an “aggressive stage 4 cancer through my body which is untreatable through the system!”
“Lucky for me, I have great support from my family and friends, who have been there for me the last few months and always will be,” he wrote.
A lifelong gourmand of chillies and spicy food, Meyer founded Fire Dragon Chillies in 2008 after spotting a gap in the New Zealand market for hot sauces.
Meyer also ran the New Zealand Chilli Eating Champs, with its 10th instalment planned to take place in Auckland this May.
Comedians Jono Pryor and Ben Boyce shared a heartfelt video tribute to Meyer, who they described as a “Kiwi legend” who “left a lasting impression on us and our digestive systems”.
The League of Fire (LOF), the governing body for global chilli-eating competitions, said it was grieving the loss of one of its ambassadors.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest easy, warrior.”
Last month, the organisation said it was “deeply honoured” to announce Meyer as the first inductee into its LOF Hall of Fame.
“When speaking of passion, loyalty and unwavering belief in competitive chilli-eating, few names command the respect and admiration of Clint Meyer,” it said in its commendation.
“Your dedication has shaped a region and your passion has strengthened our global community ... your legacy will never be forgotten and shall now be forever immortalised in the League of Fire Hall of Fame.”
Northland businessman Clint Meyer, owner of Fire Dragon Chillies, has died after a battle with cancer.
“I’m glad you’re not in pain anymore, my chilli brother!” Australia-based chilli community media platform Burnin Bites Down Under posted, calling Meyer an “absolute legend of a bloke, both a Spice Legend & an absolutely great friend”.
“So sad to hear – Clint was great to work with and a huge inspiration. Sending love to his family and friends. Rest easy, Chilli King,” Auckland chilli company Wicked Hots commented on the post announcing Meyer’s death.
Auckland restaurant The Lucky Taco added: “Love to you all. A full of energy bloke & we all shared that love of [fire]. Kia kaha fams”.
Friend Vinny Eastwood said it was a “tragedy that we lost him so young”.
“Clint was always so cheerful, generous & cool ... Now it’s time for him to burn in heaven.
“Rest my brother, you’ve earned it.”
Meyer will be remembered at a small local funeral this week and a memorial service in Auckland later in the year, his family said.
