MasterChef contestant Matt Gagnon dies at 42; Connecticut chef and construction worker remembered as devoted father
Former MasterChef season 11 contestant from Cromwell, Conn., died unexpectedly on Dec. 15; obituary cites no cause of death, and a GoFundMe supports his family.
Matt Gagnon, a Cromwell, Connecticut native who competed on season 11 of MasterChef, died unexpectedly on Monday, December 15, according to his obituary. He was 42. The obituary did not reveal a cause of death.
Gagnon was best known to viewers for appearing on Gordon Ramsay's MasterChef during the 2021 Legends season, which featured celebrity guest judges and a run shortened by the coronavirus pandemic. He finished as the fourth contestant eliminated, with his run ending in the season's sixth episode. The season began airing in June 2021 after taping was interrupted by the pandemic. Away from the studio, Gagnon worked in construction and was employed by a company that installs, repairs and inspects fire protection systems.
Following his death, a GoFundMe page was set up to raise funds for Gagnon's family. As of Friday, the campaign had raised just over $14,000 toward a $20,000 goal. The page described him as a “great friend to all who knew him” and a “devoted father to his two young children,” while noting that his true passion was cooking. It said his passing left his wife and children facing heartbreak and the immediate need to cover funeral expenses and future needs.
Gagnon is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and their two children, Mason and Haylee. He also leaves behind his parents, Raymond and Donna Gagnon; in-laws Thomas and Leslee Farr; and a brother, Devin, along with extended family. The family noted that Gagnon valued his children as the most important part of his life and enjoyed camping in the backyard with them during warmer months. He was fondly described as the best “Daddy Caddy” for Mason and as someone who took pride in watching Haylee cheerlead. The family also referenced their dog, Niko, who will miss his snuggles and meals. A memorial service is planned for Sunday, December 21, in Berlin, Connecticut. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Gagnon leaves behind a legacy that his loved ones said was defined by kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness toward others.