Brent Gunnels dies in fatal Lee’s Summit car crash.
Fatal Lee’s Summit car crash death of Brent Gunnels.
Law enforcement in Cass County has confirmed the identity of the person killed in a Sunday morning collision as Brent Gunnels, known for his work at the restaurant “The W” located in Lee’s Summit. A public post from the venue expressed deep sorrow, stating they were heartbroken over the loss of their chef, who died in a motor vehicle mishap. The establishment described him as a talented professional and a valued colleague, adding that the community should remember his loved ones during this difficult time.
A close associate of Gunnels, Eapen Thampy, shared memories of his friend, noting that he was widely admired in the culinary and hospitality sectors. The friend explained that Gunnels had previously held positions at several Kansas City eateries, including Freshwater KC. He was also the founder of Cult of Pi, an innovative pizza venture that frequently hosted community gatherings in a Westside area pop-up setup. Thampy recalled that these events often involved collaborations with other industry professionals, bringing people together in a casual, creative atmosphere, and that Gunnels was constantly exploring new ideas, even taking trips abroad to enhance his skills.
