Chef Justin Sutherland Injured in Boating Accident on St. Croix River

Handsome Hog chef suffers broken arm, jaw and multiple cuts

Pierre Ware

Twin Cities celebrity chef Justin Sutherland was injured July 3 in a boating accident on the St. Croix River and is recovering in the hospital after multiple surgeries.

According to a Go Fund Me page for the executive chef of Handsome Hog in St. Paul, Sutherland was boating with friends on Sunday when his hat blew off. As he tried to grab it, the boat hit a wave and he was knocked into the water near the propeller. He suffered cuts on his head, a broken arm and broken jaw. “The great news is, he is going to be fine,” the crowd-funding page says. “With some time, he will possibly be better than fine. He is adding more character to the face we know and love, and the most important news, his beard is intact.”

The site’s fundraising goal of $500,000 will go toward Sutherland’s medical expenses and help cover costs while he is recovering and unable to work, and any extra funds will be donated to charities. According to the page, Sutherland did not have health insurance.

In addition to Handsome Hog, Sutherland is also involved with several restaurants in various roles including the new Noyes & Cutler in St. Paul next to the original Handsome Hog location. He has appeared on “Top Chef,” and was a winner of the Food Network’s “Iron Chef America.” He is also host of TruTV’s “Fast Foodies.” The cover of our May/June issue featured barbecue from Handsome Hog and Sutherland offered spices and rubs recipe advice for a story about backyard barbecues.

Mac ‘n’ cheese with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Texas toast, bourbon Coke wings, smoked beef brisket, pickles, spare ribs, corn, slaw, and cornbread muffin, all from Handsome Hog
Mac ‘n’ cheese with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Texas toast, bourbon Coke wings, smoked beef brisket, pickles, spare ribs, corn, slaw, and cornbread muffin, all from Handsome Hog

Photo by Janelle Olson/Styled by Beth Emmons

As editor of Minnesota Monthly, Amy works collaboratively with a team of writers, designers, photographers, and digital producers to create impactful, surprising, timely and insightful content that reflects the Spirit of Minnesota. An award-winning newspaper and magazine editor based in the Twin Cities, Amy has decades of experience guiding coverage of luxury living, arts and culture, style and travel topics across multiple platforms. She has interviewed personalities ranging from Prince to Roger Goodell and has stories to tell.