‘Top Chef’ Star Justin Sutherland Hospitalized Following Boating Accident Over July 4th Weekend

thewrap.com:

Justin Sutherland was hospitalized following a boating accident that took place over 4th of July weekend. He sustained serious injuries to his jaw — which is currently wired shut — and suffered several broken bones and lacerations in his left arm and head.A statement on Sutherland’s social media yesterday announced the news of the accident, saying that the soon-to-be host and producer of “Taste the Culture with Justin Sutherland” was “recovering and in good spirits.”“At this time his family asks for privacy, but please send him positive thoughts and prayers,” the post continued. “He will be off the radar for a little bit while he makes a full recovery, but any updates will be shared on his social media @chefjustinsutherland.”In a recent update, a link was shared to a GoFundMe organized by his family and representative Beth Gillies, with the aim of raising $500,000 for hospital bills.

The fundraising campaign also details the extent of the injuries and how it occurred, adding that while the “Fast Foodies” star will be “fine,” he is also undergoing a long journey toward recovery.

At the time of publication, it has raised nearly $92,000.A Minnesota native, Sutherland was out on July 3 boating with his friends.

He was wearing a captain hat at the time, which flew off his head in the wind. As he tried to grasp at it, the boat hit a wave and he was knocked off.