Hell’s Kitchen has produced some seriously talented chefs. Sadly, seven of those chefs have tragically passed away. Here are their stories.
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 show returned in 2021, and Hell’s Kitchen season 22 has already aired. While viewers tune into Hell’s Kitchen to get a good dose of the incomparable Gordon Ramsay, the contestants make the show at the end of the day. Unfortunately, not all the past chefs are alive today. There have been seven chefs who have passed away since their time in 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. She returned to Hell’s Kitchen for the fourth season as the Red Team’s sous chef and was named Corporate Executive Chef, U.S. Division of Gordon Ramsay’s Restaurant Group. Then there’s 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, six former 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.
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. 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 was unexpected and surprising (via EW).
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 complications. 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
Two Hell’s Kitchen season 2 contestants have tragically passed away. In 2012, Keith Greene was found at 11 a.m. by a couple walking along the shore near Wyandanch Lane Beach. The 35-year-old chef had drowned. 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 (via Newsday).
Rachel Brown
Hell’s Kitchen Season 2
In 2007, Rachel Brown, who was eliminated sixth on Hell’s Kitchen season 2, took her own life in her Texas home not long after her Hell’s Kitchen appearance. 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 (via Reality TV World).
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.
