Hell’s Kitchen: Which Chefs Have Tragically Passed Away?

Hell’s Kitchen is a reality TV cornerstone, but some cast members have tragically passed away after starring in one of the best reality TV shows. Gordon Ramsay’s iconic series is gearing up for season 24. While viewers tune into Hell’s Kitchen to get a good dose of the incomparable Ramsay, the contestants make the show at the end of the day. Unfortunately, not all the past chefs are alive today. There have been numerous chefs who have passed away since their time on Hell’s Kitchen.

Past contestants have gone on to make their mark for various reasons, and some Hell’s Kitchen seasons are better than others. Plenty of glorious success stories, like Rock Harper and Christina Wilson, who won season 10, live on in the minds of the fans. Additionally, Hell’s Kitchen boasts Jason Santos, season 7’s runner-up, who opened four successful Boston-area restaurants and returned as the Blue Team’s sous chef in season 19. Sadly, some contestants’ stories didn’t end with success. Their lives all ended tragically too soon.

Paul “Paulie” Giganti

Hell’s Kitchen Season 16

In April 2017, former Hell’s Kitchen season 16 contestant Paul “Paulie” Giganti was found dead in his home in Philadelphia. Just 36 years old, Paulie died of an accidental drug overdose one year after his appearance on the competition series. The owner of Birra, where Paulie worked for five years, said, “He brought a consistency to our product which is why we are still around. We did a little bit better than many people because of him.” (via WGN).

He was one of two contestants from Hell’s Kitchen season 16 to pass away, and both were far too young. Paulie was an amazing chef who was a fan favorite throughout his time on the show. Long-time fans were immediately heartbroken when they heard he passed.

Charlie McKay

Hell’s Kitchen Season 5

Charles McKay, a contestant on season 5 of Hell’s Kitchen, is another example of a talented chef who died too young. Charles passed on March 4, 2024 in a motorcycle crash. He was well-liked among fans for his calm demeanor and patience. When Ramsay gave him a hard time over his long facial hair, Charles instantly shaved. He was the only contestant in the show’s history to be asked to trim facial hair. Understanding that the show, and Gordon, were hoping for a reaction, Charles emphasized his unbreakable character, offering the cameras this sentiment instead:

“He’s trying to get a rise out of me, you know, I’m not gonna give him that satisfaction. It’s just a little hair up my face, and it’s all gravy, baby!”

While ultimately eliminated in episode 3, Charles remained dedicated to his craft. The chef told cameras that Gordon had made a mistake and proved his competency in the following years. Charles held several lead positions in the kitchen for over 9 years following his elimination. In 2018, Charles and his wife bought Nitrogen, a grill and sushi bar. The pair found success until Charles’ passing and the subsequent closing of the restaurant.

Jessica Vogel

Hell’s Kitchen Season 12

In 2018, former Hell’s Kitchen season 12 contestant Jessica Vogel died in a New Jersey hospital after receiving treatment for colitis, a chronic inflammation of the colon, at age 34 (via EW). She and her fiancé, John Michael Keyser, planned to open a restaurant together before her untimely passing. Her tragic death was shocking to friends, family, and fans. Her death left many reeling.

According to Deadline, before she passed, Jessica alluded to having a drinking problem in a post she wrote for Medium.com. She wrote, “I’m weeks away from 34 years old and got told I drink too much and have cirrhosis. Did it stop me from pouring shots of alcohol? Nope. Did my lifestyle of sex, drugs and foie gras come to a born again Christian revelation? F**k that noise.” However, the post has since been deleted.

Louis Petrozza

Hell’s Kitchen Season 4

In November 2019, season 4’s runner-up, Louis Petrozza, passed away after battling lung cancer at the age of 58. Louis was known for his versatility and claimed his ability to cook anything. Before his death, he worked as a catering director in Charlotte, North Carolina and won three challenges during his stint on Hell’s Kitchen. He was a well-known contestant on the show, and his death came as a tragic surprise. Louis will forever live on as a fan-favorite and iconic chef worthy of all the attention he received for his work.

Aaron Song

Hell’s Kitchen Season 3

In 2010, Aaron Song passed away from diabetes complications. Aaron is the only contestant to pass away after having to leave the show due to health issues. The chef had been struggling with his health when he passed out during a team punishment after losing that day’s challenge. He was rushed to the hospital and sadly not cleared to return to the competition. He died three years later, at 51, from the same complications he was struggling with on the show itself.

Keith Greene

Hell’s Kitchen Season 2

Three Hell’s Kitchen season 2 contestants have tragically passed away. In 2012, Keith Greene was found by a couple walking along the shore near Wyandanch Lane Beach. The 35-year-old chef had drowned (via Newsday). A former coworker, Jessica Kiesman, said, “he grew up here his whole life and was always in the water.” She was utterly shocked, adding, “he was a strong swimmer.” Keith was married to the love of his life with a two-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son. It was a shocking and tragic end for the talented chef.

Rachel Brown

Hell’s Kitchen Season 2

In 2007, Rachel Brown, who was eliminated sixth on Hell’s Kitchen season 2, died by suicide in her Texas home not long after her appearance on the show (via Reality TV World). She had nominated herself for elimination on Hell’s Kitchen but was given another chance and had a strong relationship with Heather West. The esteemed chef was only 41 years old and had been struggling with mental health issues. It’s incredibly sad to think of the esteemed chef dying by suicide. Her bright personality and talent will always be remembered.

Thomas “Tom” Pauley

Hell’s Kitchen Season 2

Former stockbroker from “The Garden State” (New Jersey), Tom Pauley was featured on season 2 of Hell’s Kitchen. He was remembered for his goofy personality and light-hearted jokes. While the chef ran into many hiccups during the competition, notably serving Gordan a cooked Caesar salad, the chef went down in history books for efficiently stirring up drama for the show. During the first dinner service, Tom was spotted sweating on the food he was preparing. When Ramsay pointed this out, Tom was quick with his iconic line:

“I sweat! I sweat all the time! I’m a “shweatzer!” Don’t worry about that!”

His witty humor may not have sat well with the severe Gordan Ramsay, but many fans found his playful attitude endearing. When Tom left the show, he continued to speak at events, sharing his expertise and his experience on Hell’s Kitchen. Many of his fans were devastated by this loss. Several took to Reddit to share condolences. One Reddit user, @Big-Cardiologist-260, offered, “I don’t care what anyone says. Tom was one of my favorite chefs in season 2, and to hear this is heartbreaking. Hope he is resting in peace.”

Genaro Delillo

Hell’s Kitchen Season 16

Genaro Delillo was a contestant on Hell’s Kitchen season 16 who was eliminated in episode 2 after a series of missteps, including serving raw steaks and overcooking sea bass. However, he left the show with confidence and grace. Tragically, Genaro passed away unexpectedly on August 7, 2020, at the young age of 32, leaving behind his wife, Christine. The cause of his death is unknown. Hopefully, his family has the space to grieve.

Jonathon Plumley

Hell’s Kitchen Season 9

Jonathon Plumley, who appeared on season 9 of Hell’s Kitchen, was fondly remembered for his witty humor and charismatic personality. The chef had struggled to excel in many challenges leading up to his ultimate elimination after his eighth service. Jonathan was able to avoid attention until episode 6, in which Gordan put him on “the chopping block.” He assured Ramsay that his work would improve but unfortunately, his mistakes persisted until Gordan decided to move forward without the chef.

This rejection did not stand in the way of Jonathan pursuing his passions. Following his time on the show, Jonathan became a culinary consultant. While circumstances improved for him, an arrest in 2018 for “disorderly conduct” hurt his overwhelmingly positive track record. Tragically, on February 9, 2022, Jonathan passed away of unknown causes (via DignityMemorial). Many speculate that the 45-year-old chef passed due to a fatal heart attack.

Sandra Flores

Hell’s Kitchen Season 12

Sandra Flores, a New York native, was remembered for her fiery temperament and no-nonsense approach to her work. She accumulated her fandom through her brazen honesty and left audiences devastated by her passing in 2022. She was an incredibly talented chef who will be remembered for her amazing plating presentation and overall ability to produce mouthwatering dishes.

The circumstances of Sandra’s passing are unknown, and her family wishes to keep any information private. Whatever the circumstances, the legendary chef had passed early in her life and left numerous fans grieving her death. She will remain an iconic figure in Hell’s Kitchen history forever.