Andrea Zamperoni, head chef of Grand Central’s famed restaurant Cipriani Dolci, was found dead after missing for several days, police said Thursday.
The New York Post reported Zamperoni, 33, was found at the Kamway Lodge & Tavern in Elmhurst, Queens, on Wednesday night by NYPD responding to a call about an unconscious man. Police confirmed Zamperoni’s identity Thursday.
Zamperoni, a Queens resident, was reported missing by his co-workers Monday after he didn’t show up for work at Grand Central, according to ABC.
Cipriani Dolci issued the following statement to NBC Thursday confirming Zamperoni’s death:
“We have sadly learned that Andrea Zamperoni, a well-respected and beloved member of the Cipriani team for many years, who went missing last Sunday, has been found deceased,” the statement read. “His brother is overcome with grief and regrets he will not be available to provide any comments. We trust the NYPD is exerting all efforts to investigate and bring clarity to this tragic situation.”
The cause of death was yet to be determined by an autopsy by a medical examiner, the Post reported. An investigation into Zamperoni’s death is ongoing.
Metro received a response from the NYPD Thursday confirming Zamperoni was last seen at his home on 74th Avenue in Flushing Monday at around noon
Previous reports had Zamperoni as having last been seen leaving his shift at the restaurant Saturday night. According to Cipriani Dolci sous chef Manuel Ignacio Albo, as reported by NBC, Zamperoni’s roommate said he came home Saturday night, then went outside and got into a car, and had not been seen since.
Co-workers, friends and family expressed concern about his whereabouts during the week. His co-workers said it was unlike him to miss a day. Although he moved to New York in April, Zamperoni has worked for Cipriani since 2008, ABC reported.
NBC reported that his mother, in Italy, became concerned after he did not respond to his daily phone call with her last weekend. It was also reported that his brother was due to fly in Monday from London to help with the search.
Shortly after Zamperoni was reported missing, ABC spoke with Cipriani Dolci general manager Fernando Dallorso, who said, “Social media has not been touched, his phone has been off for four days.”
“Bank cards have not been used,” he added.
