Acclaimed NYC chef James Kent dies suddenly aged 45 as shocked co-workers cope with their loss: 'We are heartbroken'

Famous New York City chef James Kent has suddenly passed away at the age of 45. 

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

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

'We are heartbroken to share that James Kent passed away unexpectedly earlier today,' the post read.

The post also said that Kent's family, colleagues, and restaurants are focused on supporting each other during this difficult time. Kent's restaurants were closed on June 16, Father's Day, to honor his memory. 

It's unclear how he died. 

Famous New York City chef James Kent has suddenly passed away at the age of 45, as his bereft co-workers share their shock

'The Saga Hospitality Group family is focused on supporting each other and most importantly Kelly, Gavin and Avery as we grieve James' loss,' the statement continued.' 

'Celebrate Father's Day with your loved ones,' the post concluded.

Kent's cause of death has not yet been disclosed. 

He 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 coworker in heartfelt social media posts. 

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

The post also said that Kent's family, colleagues, and restaurants are focused on supporting each other during this difficult time

Born and raised in Lower Manhattan, Kent rose to fame in New York City's Financial District with a series of successful restaurants under his Saga Hospitality Group

'What never wavered was his smile, he positive attitude and his love for everyone around him. Our kids grew up together, playing in the city and making us and my kids feel like we deserved to be in that city,' Kaysen wrote. 

Bar director for Kent's Manhattan venues, Harrison Ginsberg, also honored the chef in an Instagram post. 

'Thank you for all the memories, Laughs, meals, and lessons,' he wrote. 'I was always in awe of how much you supported me, my career, the bar industry.'

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

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

Kent owned two Michelin-starred restaurants, Saga and Crown Shy, along with his award-winning cocktail bar, Overstory, located in downtown Manhattan.

The Solarium at Saga - one of the two Michelin-starred restaurants Kent owned 

He also had plans to open five additional restaurants in 2025 in partnership with Paris luxury department store Printemps on Wall Street, as reported by Eater New York

'You didn't have friends. You had family. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your family. I appreciate every moment I had with you,' he added. 'James, I'll forever remember the lessons you taught me. I'll forever hold myself to a higher standard.'

Born and raised in Lower Manhattan, Kent rose to fame in New York City's Financial District with a series of successful restaurants under his Saga Hospitality Group. 

He owned two Michelin-starred restaurants, Saga and Crown Shy, along with 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. 

He also had plans to open five additional restaurants in 2025 in partnership with Paris luxury department store Printemps on Wall Street, as reported by Eater New York.

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 (Pictured with his wife Kelly)

Kent's restaurants will be closed on June 16, Father's Day, to honor his memory (Pictured with his wife and kids)

Kent's cause of death has not yet been disclosed (Pictured with his wife Kelly)

Additionally, he was working to open 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 served as chef de cuisine 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 introduced Overstory, a sky bar ranked among the world's top 50 bars, followed by Saga, which received two Michelin stars and is located in the same building.