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'MasterChef' Finalist Death Ruled Suicide

CHICAGO (STMW) -- The death of a "MasterChef" finalist found shot in an alley Friday in the South Side Washington Heights neighborhood has been ruled a suicide.

A man was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head at 6:37 p.m. in an alley in the 9700 block of South Peoria Avenue, police News Affairs Officer John Mirabelli said. A weapon was recovered at the scene.

Joshua Marks, 26, of the 9700 block of South Sangamon Street, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office. An autopsy Saturday confirmed his death a suicide.

Marks was runner-up to winner Christine Ha during the third season of the reality television series "MasterChef," according to media reports.

"MasterChef" judge Gordon Ramsay tweeted Saturday: "Just heard the devastating news about Josh Marks. My thoughts are with his family & friends at this tragic time."

Marks, who is 7-foot-2, allegedly suffered from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, according to media reports. He was arrested at 3:55 a.m. July 29 in the 5400 block of South Kimbark Avenue after attacking an officer. Marks told police he was possessed by Ramsay, who turned him into God.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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