Culinary Community Honors Chef Gianna Buzzetta After Tragic Hawaii Accident

The 26-year-old executive pastry chef, killed by a falling boulder during a dream hike, is remembered for her talent and impact as fundraisers support her grieving family.

Gianna Buzzetta, a 26-year-old executive pastry chef at Jeune et Jolie, died on March 24, 2025, after being struck by a boulder while hiking Makaleha Falls Trail in Kauai, Hawaii.
The accident occurred during a hike with her boyfriend, Connor Quinton, fulfilling her lifelong dream of visiting the waterfall.
Rescue efforts were delayed due to the trail's remote location and lack of cell service; Buzzetta was airlifted to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries the following day.
Jeune et Jolie, the Michelin-starred restaurant where Buzzetta worked, is hosting a special dinner to raise funds for her family, while an online fundraiser has garnered significant support.
Her death has drawn attention to the risks of remote hiking trails and sparked an outpouring of tributes from the culinary world, highlighting her professional achievements and vibrant personality.