CT Father Of 2, Cooking Show Contestant, Dies 'Unexpectedly'

CROMWELL, CT — A father of two young children and a former MasterChef contestant died "unexpectedly" on Monday. Matt Gagnon, of Cromwell, was 42 years old, according to his obituary.

Gagnon was a self-taught home cook who appeared on season 11 of Gordon Ramsay's reality cooking competition MasterChef.

A fundraiser was started by Rich Murphy of Southington to support Gagnon's family.

Gagnon worked in construction but his "true passion was cooking," the GoFundMe reads. He especially loved preparing meals for family and friends.

"Matt Gagnon was a great friend to all who knew him, and even more importantly, a devoted father to his two young children," according to the GoFundMe.

Gagnon "always brought fun into (his children's) lives and enjoyed camping in the backyard with them every summer as well as playing Chutes and Ladders with Haylee and Legos with Mason," according to his obituary. "He loved to cook at home with them and his homemade raviolis were their favorite."

He was also known as an avid golfer "who played the game with skill and joy," competing in a local golf league.

"If you were lucky enough to play a round with him, you always had a great time filled with laughter and camaraderie," according to the GoFundMe

The GoFundMe was started to help support his family during this difficult time.

Read More:

• Death Investigation Launched At Walmart Parking Lot, Police Say
• Driver Killed After Crashing Into Rock Wall, Building, Police Say
• Police Look To ID Dirt Bike Driver After Horseback Rider Seriously Injured

"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," the fundraiser reads.

As of Friday morning, $13,015 had been raised on 76 donations.

View the GoFundMe by clicking here.

Read his full obituary from Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin by clicking here.