A chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant passed away in an unusual accident when she was struck by a boulder during a hike in Hawaii with her boyfriend, according to her family.
Gianna Buzzetta, 26, was hit by falling debris on March 23 while visiting the Makaleha Falls waterfall in Kauai with her boyfriend, Connor Quinton, described as her “soon-to-be” fiancé.
As the executive pastry chef at Jeune et Jolie restaurant in Carlsbad, California, she was fulfilling a personal aspiration by exploring the waterfall in Hawaii when the incident occurred.
“They heard a really loud noise. [Quinton] looked up, but couldn’t figure out where the noise was coming from. Within a second, it happened,” her father, Sal Buzzetta, told 10News. “The rock dislodged from quite a ways up … then it landed on her.”
Quinton managed to move Buzzetta to safety but was unable to get cell service in the remote area. He ran about three miles to obtain assistance, according to family members.
When first responders arrived, Buzzetta was unconscious and bleeding heavily from a head injury. The Kauai Fire Department arranged for her airlift to a hospital, where she died the following day on March 24.
Her parents were able to travel to Hawaii in time to bid farewell before she passed.
“She had told her boyfriend, Connor, that day, he had fulfilled her dreams and it was the best day of her life,” said her mother, Caty Buzzetta.
The hike held special significance, with family members suggesting Quinton might have planned a proposal during their Hawaiian trip. An online fundraiser described Buzzetta as a “girlfriend/soon-to-be fiancé,” though it did not confirm a proposal was planned for the trip.
Buzzetta’s culinary career was progressing significantly. As the executive pastry chef at Jeune et Jolie, she contributed to the French restaurant’s achievement of Michelin stars for three consecutive years.
Her supervisor, John Resnick, recognized her as a crucial team member, praising her work ethic and creativity. Colleagues at the restaurant expressed admiration for her professional abilities and personal attributes.
Buzzetta’s culinary journey included training at the Culinary Institute of America and working at notable restaurants like Spago and Patina before joining Jeune et Jolie, where she became a vital part of the kitchen team.
Beyond her professional achievements, Buzzetta was known for her altruism and compassion. She frequently volunteered at animal rescue shelters, reflecting her dedication to community service.
Her sister, Kalie, has initiated a fundraiser on GiveSendGo to cover medical costs, emergency transport, funeral, and memorial arrangements. The campaign has raised over $46,000 as of early April.
The Southern California culinary community has shown support for Buzzetta’s family. Jeune et Jolie announced plans for a special dinner service in her honor, with proceeds benefiting her family.
Buzzetta was seen by acquaintances as determined, humorous, and passionate about both her culinary work and outdoor activities. Her sudden passing left a gap in the restaurant where she worked and the broader culinary community that acknowledged her talent.
The restaurant honored Buzzetta with a statement, emphasizing the “joy, intensity, and love” she brought to her work and colleagues. Her skill in balancing creativity and precision helped establish Jeune et Jolie as a leading Southern California dining venue.
Buzzetta is remembered by her family as a “precious daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, granddaughter, girlfriend, friend, Christian, and gifted executive pastry chef,” leaving a legacy of culinary innovation and personal warmth that touched many in her 26 years.