Westwood Star Chef Jessica Vogel Reportedly Dies

WESTWOOD, NJ — Jessica Vogel, a chef and former contestant on "Hell's Kitchen," has reportedly died.

Chef Michael Gabriel, a contest who was on the show with Vogel in 2014, posted about her death on Facebook Monday afternoon.

"To all my season 12 "Hell’s Kitchen" brothers and sisters, Chef Jessica Vogel has passed," Gabriel said. "Rest in peace to a friend, and sister through the birth of fire. I have no words... I’m so sad right now. Miss you Jess."

Vogel, a Westwood native, was 29 when she appeared on "Hell's Kitchen." She impressed Chef Gordon Ramsey with her rosemary-crusted venison loin, and roasted potatoes and brussels sprouts.

Venison is one of the most difficult proteins to cook and you absolutely nailed it," Ramsey said to Vogel. "Well done."

"I hope it is learning experience and also a winning experience for me and a life-changer," Vogel said of her appearance. "I know if I focus and I drive as hard as I can, I can win this."

Vogel was voted off the show in the season's ninth episode. She also appeared on an episode of "Cutthroat Kitchen" on the Food Network in 2015. She impressed host Alton Brown with her chocolate chip cookie dessert made with white chocolate ice cream and ganache.

She was sous chef of Picnic on the Square in Ridgewood before becoming executive chef of Black Rebel Burger in Hackensack and Artisan Kitchen & Bar in Hawthorne, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Vogel also ran a blog on her website, where she shared recipes and her thoughts about all things food.

Someone from Artisan Kitchen could not immediately be reached for comment Monday afternoon. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Vogel studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University in Denver, Colorado.

Email [email protected]

Photo: Jessica Vogel (YouTube screenshot)