The renowned pastry chef tragically lost her life due to a rock during a scenic hike in Kauai, Hawaii, authorities report.
Gianna Buzzetta, 26, originally from California, was hiking at Kauai Falls with her boyfriend Quinton on March 23, according to the Kauai Fire Department.
“They heard an incredibly loud sound. [Quinton] looked up but couldn’t identify the source of the noise,” her father, Sal Butsetta, told 10news.
“Right after it occurred… the rocks were quite a distance off the trail…and then they fell on her,” he added.
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At 26 years old, Gianna Buzzetta was exploring Makaleja Falls in Kauai on March 23 when she was struck by a falling boulder along with her boyfriend Conor Quinton. (Buzzetta Family)
Due to the isolated area, cell reception was unavailable, and Quinton had to sprint for assistance. According to Kauai Fire Station, upon arrival of first responders, they found Butsetta at the waterfall’s base, unconscious, with significant bleeding and difficulty breathing from what appeared to be a head injury.
The chef was then airlifted to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Gianna’s mother, Kathy Buzzetta, mentioned that Quinton was leading a 5.2-mile round trip to Cascade Falls, fulfilling a lifelong dream for her daughter.
“She told her boyfriend Connor that day; he made her lifelong dream a reality, and it was her most wonderful day.” I told KGTV.
The couple were engaged prior to the tragic accident and were planning to build a life together, her parents revealed.
Gianna Buzzetta, 26, was an emerging talent at a Michelin restaurant in California, working as a pastry chef. (Jeune et Jolie/Instagram)
Buzzetta was a pastry chef at Jeune et Jolie, a Michelin-starred French eatery in Carlsbad, California. An online fundraiser indicates Buzzetta assisted the restaurant in earning three Michelin stars over time.
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“She was an integral member of the team. She’s incredibly creative, remarkably talented, and extraordinarily dedicated,” said her supervisor, John Restnick. Fox 5 San Diego. “Dignified and confident – she represented everything we aspire to in our colleagues. Thus, from a professional angle, her talent was phenomenal… Our entire team cherished working alongside her.”
John Resnick, Gianna Buzzetta’s supervisor, expressed how her dedication and expertise propelled their team’s achievements. (John Resnick/Instagram)
In an update on her Instagram account, Jeune et Jolie announced they are fundraising for the Buzzetta family by hosting a special dinner service.
“Gianna was our former pastry chef and a beloved friend. She brought immense joy, strength, passion, and love to our restaurant and crew,” the restaurant team stated. “Her untimely passing has left us heartbroken, and we seek ways to support her family.”
“We’re doing what we excel at. We’re uniting as a restaurant and inviting guests to celebrate the connections that enrich our lives,” they said.
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Fox News Digital reached out to Jeune Et Jolie for further comments.
