CASS COUNTY, MO — The Kansas City culinary world is reeling from the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Brent Gunnels, a beloved chef whose passion for food and community made a lasting impact. Brent passed away in a tragic car accident on August 6, 2025.
Known for his vibrant creativity in the kitchen and his warm, down-to-earth nature, Brent was a cornerstone at The W, where his artistry and leadership helped shape one of the area’s most celebrated dining experiences. Colleagues remember him not only for his culinary skill, but for the genuine kindness he brought to every interaction — a rare and beautiful blend of talent and humility.
Friends, family, and fellow chefs across Cass County and Kansas City are mourning the loss of a man who gave so much to the people around him, both in and out of the kitchen. To those who worked alongside him, Brent was more than a chef — he was a mentor, a friend, and a steady presence in an industry known for its intensity.
Brent’s legacy lives on in the dishes he crafted, the people he taught, and the many lives he touched through his food and his heart. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his memory will continue to nourish the spirit of the community he helped feed — in every sense of the word.
He will be deeply missed.