TV Chef Justin Sutherland Severely Injured In Boat Accident

ST. PAUL, MN — A renowned Twin Cities chef and television personality is at the start of a long recovery process after he was seriously injured in a boat accident over the holiday weekend.

Justin Sutherland was piloting the boat Sunday when his hat blew off. As he tried to grab it, the boat struck a wave, Sutherland fell into the water, and the boat propeller hit his head and arm, according to a GoFundMe started to help cover his medical expenses. Sutherland, who has no health insurance, suffered a broken arm, broken jaw and many lacerations. His jaw is wired shut and he will require numerous surgeries.

“The road to recovery is going to take some time, but you know, Justin loves a good journey,” the GoFundMe description said. “It is going to take a supreme effort, but this is a man who DOES NOT STOP.”

Sutherland operates several Twin Cities restaurants, including the Handsome Hog, Obachan Noodles and Chicken, Chickpea Hummus Bar, The Gnome, Woodfire Cantina and Gray Duck Tavern. He won “Iron Chef America” on the Food Network, was a competitor on season 16 of Bravo’s “Top Chef” and hosts “Fast Foodies" on truTV.

Less than 24 hours after the GoFundMe was created, over 1,400 people had donated nearly $120,000. Additionally, chef Brian Ingram is hosting a “day of Hope” on Thursday at Hope Breakfast Bar in St. Paul, during which 100 percent of sales will be donated to assist Sutherland in his recovery.