The young, rising culinary star in Southern California died in an unusual accident in Hawaii, according to his family.
Last week, Gianna Buzzetta, 26-year-old executive pastry chef at June et Jolly Restaurant in Carlsbad, was hiking the challenging waterfall trails during the disaster last week, according to a statement from her family.
The Kauai Fire Station responded to the appeal of a hiker who was attacked by a boulder who fell while standing in the waterfall pool on March 23, the department said in a news release. The hiker, unconscious and bleeding from a head wound, was airlifted to medical care.
According to reports from ABC10, Buzzetta’s parents were able to fly to Hawaii and say goodbye before dying in the hospital.
“She told her boyfriend Connor that day he made her dream come true and it was the best day of her life,” her mother, Kathy Buzzetta, told the station. “Glimpse into time, she had pure bliss. No one could take it from her or us.”
A golf course near Hanalei Bay in Kauai in Princeville, Hawaii. A Southern California pastry chef was killed while hiking on the island late last month.
(John Marshall/Applications)
In an online fundraiser to cover Buzzetta’s medical and funeral expenses, her family described her as determined, persistent, insightful and kind with crazy humor and infectious laughter.
“As an executive pastry chef, her dedication to perfection in artistry led her to master her talent at June Ett Jolie at Carlsbad,” the family wrote. “She poured herself out her love and creativity into everything she brought to the table.”
While working at Jeune et Jolie, Buzzetta helped the modern French restaurant achieve three Michelin stars.
“She brought such joy, strength, passion and love to this restaurant and our team,” the restaurant on Instagram said. “Her sudden loss has made us all sad and we are looking for ways to help her family.”
June et Jolie will hold a special dinner Monday to honor the memories of the young pastry chef.
Restaurant owner John Restnick told Fox5 News that Buzzetta’s sudden death was a devastating blow to everyone who knew her and worked with her.
“She was a large part of the team. She’s super creative, extremely talented and incredibly hardworking,” he told the station. “Our entire team loved working with her.”
In a fundraising post, Butsetta’s family expressed their gratitude to the first responder of Hawaii and Butsetta’s boyfriend, Connor Quinton.
