MasterChef Contestant Matthew Gagnon dies unexpectedly at 42

MasterChef alum Matthew Gagnon has passed away at the age of 42.

The Connecticut native passed away on Monday, December 15, according to his obituary. No cause of death has been disclosed.

Gagnon shared two children, Haylee and Mason, with his wife, Stephanie. He is also survived by his parents, Raymond and Donna Gagnon; his brother, Devin Gagnon; his parents-in-law, Thomas and Leslee Farr; and his brother-in-law, Thomas Farr II.

Gagnon also worked in construction, in addition to being a former contestant on MasterChef.

He competed on season 11 of Fox’s MasterChef, which premiered in June 2021, cooking for judges Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez, and Joe Bastianich, along with guest judges including Curtis Stone and Paula Deen. He was eliminated in the sixth episode of MasterChef: Legends.

Born in Hartford, Gagnon was also active in local golf leagues and proudly served as his son’s “Daddy Caddy.” He was also a constant supporter of his daughter Haylee’s cheerleading, often watching her “shine.”

Family memories highlighted in his obituary include backyard camping trips, visits to Walt Disney World, and his children’s favorite homemade ravioli.

“Matt was quick with a joke, loved a good time, and always made people laugh,” reads a GoFundMe started to help the family with funeral and financial expenses.