The culinary world is mourning the sudden death of Food Network star Anne Burrell, who was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home on Tuesday, June 17. Burrell’s husband, Stuart Claxton, discovered her in the bathroom in the early morning hours, several hours after he had last seen her alive.
Claxton immediately called 911 and was instructed to perform CPR on Burrell. However, by the time emergency services arrived at approximately 7:50 a.m., Burrell was pronounced dead at the scene. The New York City Police Department confirmed that Burrell was found “unconscious and unresponsive” at her residence.
The New York City Fire Department also reported that a 911 caller claimed Burrell had suffered a “cardiac arrest” and was “dead on arrival.” The official cause of Burrell’s death is yet to be determined, pending the completion of an autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Burrell’s family announced her passing later that day, expressing their grief over the loss of a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend. They described Burrell as a radiant light whose warmth, spirit, and boundless love touched millions across the world.
The night before her sudden passing, Burrell had performed at an improv comedy show at The Second City New York in Brooklyn. Attendees of the show reported that Burrell was in high spirits and seemed to be enjoying herself, leaving many shocked and confused by the news of her death.
Burrell was a prominent figure on the Food Network, best known for hosting “Worst Cooks in America” for 27 seasons and “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef” for nine. The Food Network released a statement expressing their sorrow over Burrell’s passing, praising her remarkable culinary talent and her passion for sharing the joy of food.
Many of Burrell’s friends and colleagues have also expressed their grief over her untimely death. Rachael Ray, a close friend and colleague who served as a bridesmaid at Burrell’s 2021 wedding, shared her disbelief and heartbreak on social media. Chef Tyler Florence, who co-hosted several seasons of “Worst Cooks in America” with Burrell, remembered her as a “legendary chef” and an “even better friend.”