Maggie Beer’s restaurateur daughter Saskia dies unexpectedly

Chef and restaurateur Saskia Beer, the daughter of South Australian culinary icon Maggie Beer, has died unexpectedly in her sleep on Friday night aged just 46.

“It is with broken hearts we need to let you all know that our beautiful, extraordinary daughter Saskia died unexpectedly yet peacefully in her sleep on Friday night,” Maggie Beer said in a tribute to her daughter on social media.

“We ask for time and space as we grapple to come to terms with our loss and appreciate all the support we have been given.”

Only last week, Saskia was at annual fine food industry event Porkstar held at Sparkke at the Whitmore.

Africola head chef Duncan Welgemoed paid his respects to Saskia and her family on social media.

“Biggest love and hugs to the Beers, especially Maggie Beer, during this tragic time,” he wrote.

Kylie Kwong also posted a tribute on Facebook: “Your beautiful, special, darling Sassy-girl ... I am just so, so sad for all of you, I loved Sassy so much and hold you all very, very closely in my heart.”