Matthew Gagnon, a beloved chef and former contestant on “MasterChef,” has died at age 42, his family confirmed.
Known for his warm personality, culinary creativity and big heart, Gagnon’s passing has left friends, fans and the food community mourning the loss of a passionate chef.
Gagnon competed on Season 11 of “MasterChef,” where he quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his inviting presence and commitment to flavor.
Though he didn’t take home the title, his appearances won him the admiration of viewers and fellow contestants alike.
The Connecticut native “unexpectedly” passed away on Monday, December 15, according to his obituary.
A cause of death was not revealed.
Gagnon leaves behind his wife Stephanie and their two children, Mason and Haylee.
The obituary added how Gagnon’s children were his world.
“Most important in Matthew’s life were his children. He always brought fun into their lives and enjoyed camping in the backyard with them every summer as well as playing Chutes and Ladders with Haylee and Legos with Mason,” it read. “He loved to cook at home with them and his homemade raviolis were their favorite.”
A GoFundMe Was Established
A friend of Gagnon created a GoFundMe in hopes of raising funds for the funeral costs.
It revealed more information on who Gagnon was. The organizer of the campaign remembered how Gagnon would love to bring friends and family together through food.
“Matt was quick with a joke, loved a good time, and always made people laugh,” it stated. “He helped many, and was simply a great guy everyone enjoyed being around.”
It continued, “His absence leaves a deep void in our lives, and he will be sorely missed by all of us who knew and loved him.”
While his passion was food, he worked in construction per the post.
Gagnon Was Proud of Being on the Show
He shared a post on social media in June 2021 about being on the show.
He smiled in the picture and wrote, “What a surreal and humbling experience last night was. As a self taught home cook I am honored to have received one of the 15 aprons up for grabs on @masterchefonfox!!”
He cooked for judges Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez and Joe Bastianich while he was on the show. Gagnon was eliminated in the sixth episode of the popular show.
“Thank you so much chefs for the apron and the opportunity!!!” he added on his Instagram post.
In addition to cooking, he loved to golf.
His obituary added, “Matthew was the best ‘Daddy Caddy’ for Mason on the golf course and he was so proud to watch Haylee (his peanut) shine at cheerleading.”
He was also a member of a golf league called The PuttHead.
I watched him on the show. He was amazing. I don’t understand what happened and if it was mental illness issue pray to God anybody else that’s going through that please reach out