Chefs who died in 2025: remembered by the industry

Hospitality did not slow down in 2025, but it did pause at points to recognise loss.

Across fine dining, television, social media and competition culture, a number of chefs and food figures died during the year, prompting tributes that reflected both professional achievement and personal impact.

Jonnie Boer

The prestigious chef, one of the Netherlands’ most influential chefs and a trailblazer of modern Dutch cuisine, passed away on April 23, 2025.

Jonnie Boer took over three Michelin-starred De Librije with his wife Thérèse Boer in 1992, having cooked there since 1989.

De Librije has retained its three-star status ever since, and following recent changes to other establishments, it became and remains the only three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Netherlands.

ANNE BURRELL

Anne Burrell’s death, aged 55, was cited as a moment that reignited conversations about mental health in hospitality, with The Burnt Chef Project calling for action in response to her passing. The coverage centred on the wider industry implications and the urgency of better support structures.

Mynie Steffens

Mynie Steffens, a South African chef and television presenter, died in a helicopter crash in the Eastern Cape. Police stated the helicopter struck power lines and crashed while she was carrying out a pest-control operation on a citrus farm near Patensie, and that she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Michael Duarte

Michael Duarte, the California-based creator known as FoodWithBearHands, died aged 36.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Michael, 'approached officers threateningly,' and despite being repeatedly ordered 'to get on the ground by the deputy,' he refused to comply with their orders.

According to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, Duarte’s final moments escalated when he allegedly 'charged toward the deputy while yelling, 'I’m going to kill you.'

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aged 36

Mark Heirs

Mark received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including three AA Rosettes and recognition in the Michelin Guide.

Mark also appeared in the first series ofBBC’s Masterchef: The Professionals and was awarded ‘Nominee lockdown community hero’ at the Staff Canteen Awards in 2020.

Kevin Clark

Kevin Clark, who had worked as a chef at The Savoy and Gleneagles before moving into equipment sales, died after a battle with motor neurone disease.

Having spent six years working with combi oven maker RATIONAL, Kevin joined refrigeration manufacturer Atosa last year.

Ben Martin, Wilsons.

Ben Martin

Ben Martin was the head baker and development chef at Wilsons Bread Shop in Redland, Bristol.

He was known for his incredible talent and dedication to his craft before sadly committing suicide at 31 after battling with his mental health.

Ben’s passing has left a hole in Wilsons heart, owners Jan Ostle and his life partner Mary Wilson are urging others to speak up and spread awareness about the ‘pandemic’ of issues affecting mental health in hospitality.

Talvin Singh Ghag

Talvin Singh Ghag, from High Wycombe, died after a car crash in Oxford at around 10pm on August 3. Talvin worked as a chef at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and that fundraising in his memory supported Hospitality Action.

Gabriel Paillasson, Pastry World Cup, Chef, France, CM Patisserie

Gabriel Paillasson

Gabriel Paillasson died aged 78. He was the founder of the Pastry World Cup and described as a major figure in pâtisserie, with tributes shared by competition organisers and chefs acknowledging his role in shaping the discipline and its international talent pipeline.

Remembering with care

The deaths reported across 2025 sat in very different parts of the food world, from three-star dining rooms and leading hotels to broadcast platforms, pastry competition institutions and the creator economy.

written by Abi Kinsella

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