Famous New York chef dies suddenly at age 45 as shocked colleagues cope with loss: “We are heartbroken”

Celebrated New York chef James Kent has died suddenly at the age of 45, with his colleagues saddened by the shocking loss.

Kent, renowned chef and owner of Crown Shy, Overstory and Saga restaurants in New York, is survived by his wife Kelly, their son Gavin, 15, and their daughter Avery, 13.

News of Kent’s passing was first shared via Instagram by his Saga Hospitality Group and restaurants.

“We are heartbroken to announce that James Kent passed away suddenly earlier today,” the message read.

The message also states that Kent’s family, colleagues and restaurants are striving to support each other during this difficult time. Kent restaurants were closed on June 16, Father’s Day, to honor his memory.

“The Saga Hospitality Group family strives to support each other and especially support Kelly, Gavin and Avery as we mourn the loss of James,” the statement continued.

“Celebrate Father’s Day with your loved ones,” the post concluded.

Kent’s cause of death has not yet been released.

He has worked under the mentorship of famous chefs like Gordon Ramsay.

Acclaimed chefs including Gavin Kaysen, Daniel Boulud, Dan Kluger and Kwame Onwuachi paid tribute to their friend and colleague in heartfelt social media posts.

“What never wavered was his smile, his positive attitude and his love for everyone around him. Our children grew up together, playing around town and giving me and my children the feeling that we deserved to be in this city,” Kaysen wrote.

Kent’s Manhattan bar manager Harrison Ginsberg also honored the chef in an Instagram post.

“Thank you for all the memories, laughs, meals and lessons,” he wrote. “I have always been impressed by the support you have given me, my career, the bar industry.”

“You had no friends. You had family. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your family. I cherish every moment I spent with you,” he added. “James, I will always remember the lessons you taught me. I will always hold myself to a higher standard.

Born and raised in Lower Manhattan, Kent rose to fame in New York’s financial district with a string of successful restaurants under his Saga Hospitality Group.

He owned two Michelin-starred restaurants, Saga and Crown Shy, as well as his award-winning cocktail bar, Overstory, located in downtown Manhattan.

Kent’s death came as he was preparing to launch a new restaurant at 360 Park Avenue South in collaboration with Bravo’s Top Chef star Danny Garcia.

It also planned to open five additional restaurants in 2025 in partnership with Parisian luxury department store Printemps on Wall Street, as Eater New York reports.

Additionally, he was working on opening a seafood restaurant on Park Avenue and a bakery in Brooklyn, according to Eater.

Kent began his journey under the mentorship of famous chefs like Gordon Ramsay, David Bouley and Jean-Georges.

He was executive chef at Eleven Madison Park before becoming executive chef at Nomad from 2013 to 2017.

In 2019, Kent opened Crown Shy, which earned a Michelin star for its acclaimed a la carte menu.

Two years later, he presented Overstory, a sky bar ranked among the 50 best bars in the world, followed by Saga, which received two Michelin stars and is located in the same building.