MasterChef contestant Matthew Gagnon has died aged 42.
Although he worked in construction, Gagnon’s ‘true passion was cooking’.
He was best known for competing on the American version of the series – MasterChef: Legends – which aired in 2021.
During his time on the series, Gagnon cooked for judges Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez and Joe Bastianich, as well as guest judges including Curtis Stone and Paula Deen.
He was then eliminated in the sixth episode.
This week an obituary announced the Connecticut native died ‘unexpectedly’ last week, on Monday December 15. A cause of death was not shared publicly.
A tribute to him said that Gagnon would be remembered for bringing ‘boundless joy’ to his loved ones’ lives.
His obituary detailed his love of golf, watching his daughter ‘shine’ at cheerleading and spending time with his family undertaking backyard camping adventures and holidays to Walt Disney World.
‘Matt was quick with a joke, loved a good time, and always made people laugh. He helped many and was simply a great guy everyone enjoyed being around,’ a GoFundMe that has been set up to support his family to cover funeral costs and other financial needs, read.
‘He loved preparing meals for family and friends, bringing people together with his culinary talents and warm spirit.’
It added that: ‘Matt’s passing has left his wife and two young children facing not only heartbreak, but also the challenge of covering funeral expenses and meeting their immediate and future needs.’
According to his family, Gagnon ‘will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness toward others’.
He is survived by his wife Stephanie, their two children—Haylee and Mason—his parents, Raymond and Donna Gagnon, his brother Devin Gagnon, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Thomas and Leslee Farr and a brother-in-law, Thomas Farr II.
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