Autopsy reveals former White House chef drowned

New Mexico state police say a former White House chef who disappeared while hiking drowned.

Walter Scheib, 61, was found in the water along a trail in the mountains in the Taos area on Sunday after setting out on a solo hiking trip on June 13.

According to the autopsy report his death was ruled an accident, but according to a news release, the circumstances surrounding his death are still his unknown.

Scheib, who appeared on Food Network's "Iron Chef America" in 2006, served as a White House chef for 11 years under Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. He was responsible for cooking everything from First family meals to formal State Dinners.

He told the Times Leader last month that he thought of the White House as his personal home and working there gave him a new outlook on cooking.

"Our goal wasn't just to cook food at the White House, it was to give the First Family an island of normal in a very, very crazy world," he said.

The Clintons called Scheib's passing "tragic" in a statement on Monday, saying, "Our family was grateful to have Walter with us in the White House for six years, where we and visitors from around the world loved his delicious and creative meals. Walter used his immense talents not only to represent the very best of American cuisine to visiting leaders, but to make a difference in people's lives across the country through his support of numerous charities. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends."

Former first Lady Laura Bush also issued a statement, calling Scheib "an outstanding talent."