MasterChef contestant who worked in construction dies ‘unexpectedly’ at 42

by

Matt Gagnon, a former contestant on MasterChef, has died at 42.

According to his obituary, Robert Gagnon of Cromwell, Connecticut, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 15th.

His cause of death was not revealed.

I remember when Joe Gagnon was on MasterChef – season 11, if you can believe it! It was so interesting to learn he wasn’t a professional chef, but actually worked in construction. He really surprised everyone with his cooking skills, and I was definitely rooting for him!

Gagnon competed on the show in 2021, impressing chefs Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez, and Joe Bastianich with his cooking skills.

This season, called ‘Legends,’ included special guest judges like Paula Deen and Curtis Stone.

Oh my gosh, I was so excited when the new season finally started in June 2021! It felt like forever because filming had to be stopped when the pandemic hit, and I honestly thought we’d never get it. But it finally happened, and I was glued to the screen!

Gagnon was the fourth person voted off the show, and his time on the season ended after six episodes.

Gagnon loved to cook, but he earned a living in construction. He was working for a fire protection company – installing, repairing, and inspecting systems – when he passed away.

Following his passing, a GoFundMe campaign was created to support Gagnon’s family. By Friday, it had collected a little over $14,000 of its $20,000 goal, reaching 71%.

The campaign highlighted the MasterChef contestant as a kind and well-liked person, and a loving father of two. However, they emphasized that his greatest love was cooking.

The GoFundMe page mentioned he enjoyed cooking for loved ones, and his food brought people together thanks to his skill and kind personality.

The statement also noted that Matt’s death leaves his wife and two young children grieving, as well as struggling with the financial burdens of the funeral and their ongoing care.

His family says he will be fondly remembered as a kind, generous, and considerate person.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Gagnon considered his children the most important thing in his life. He especially loved spending time with them, like when they camped together in the backyard during the warmer months.

His family described him as a wonderful and dedicated father to his son, Mason, playfully calling him the ‘best “Daddy Caddy.”’ He was also very proud of his daughter, Haylee, and loved watching her cheerlead.

Besides his wife, Stephanie, and children, Mason and Haylee, Gagnon is survived by his dog, Niko, who will be deeply missed and remembered for the cuddles, shared Thanksgiving meals, and hamburgers they enjoyed together.

He is also remembered by his brother, Devin, his parents, Raymond and Donna Gagnon, and his in-laws, Thomas and Leslee Farr. He leaves behind his brother-in-law, Thomas Farr II, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service for Gagnon will be held on Sunday, December 21, in Berlin, Connecticut. 

Read More

2025-12-20 03:33