Car accident claims life of Ritz Carlton Executive Chef

Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger

June 8, 2014 10:10 p.m.

According to the Jacksonville Business Journal, Thomas Tolxdorf, executive chef for the Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton was killed  Saturday in a single car accident on US 17.  Tolxdorf came to  Amelia Island thirteen years ago and served as executive chef.  Prior to his arrival on Amelia Island he served for five years at the Ritz Carlton in Millenia, Singapore.  He was 49 years old.

Thomas Tolxdorf, Ritz Carlton executive chef pictured with chefs Waylon Rivers, Scott Schwartz and Tom Gray at the Legend Series in Jacksonville, Florida. Photo courtesy of Scott Schwartz

When asked to comment on Tolxdorf's death, Scott Schwartz, executive chef and owner of 29 South in Fernandina Beach said, ". . . Thomas Tolxdorf helped change the culinary landscape of North Florida. He loved his life in Fernandina Beach and was always willing and eager to take part in the community. He was constantly raising the bar and inspiring those he mentored as well as those lucky enough to call him a friend. . . .I am heartbroken for his family here and abroad."

A Celebration of Life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16 in the Ball Room of the Ritz-Carlton.  Oxley Heard is in charge of arrangements. (Click here for obituary.)