Anne Burrell, beloved TV chef and personality, tragically passed away on June 17, 2025, at the age of 55. New details have emerged surrounding her sudden death, which has left fans and loved ones devastated.
A Sudden Tragedy
Burrell was found unresponsive at her Brooklyn home by her husband, Stuart Claxton, in the morning hours of June 17. According to reports, she had been in good spirits the night before, participating in an improv comedy show at The Second City in Brooklyn. Witnesses described her as being “so great” and “having a blast” during the show.
The New York City Police Department confirmed that she was found unconscious and unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene. The details surrounding her final moments remain harrowing, with reports indicating that she had been discovered lying on the bathroom floor by Claxton.
A Devastating Discovery
Law enforcement sources revealed that Claxton last saw Burrell alive around 1 a.m. the night before. He found her unconscious between six to seven hours later. After calling 911, he was instructed to perform CPR, but it was reportedly too late as Burrell’s body was already cold by the time emergency responders arrived.
The New York Fire Department responded to a call of suspected cardiac arrest at 7:50 a.m. that morning, confirming a possible cause of death.
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 05: Chef Anne Burrell visits Build Series to discuss ‘Worst Cooks In America’ & Phil & Anne’s Good Time Lounge at Build Studio on February 5, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Desiree Navarro/WireImage)
Remembering Anne Burrell
Burrell’s family issued a statement remembering her as a “beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend,” adding, “Her smile lit up every room she entered. Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell developed a passion for cooking early in life, inspired by her mother’s homemade dishes and culinary icon Julia Child. Her mission was to make cooking enjoyable and approachable, especially for beginners, as seen on her hit show Worst Cooks in America. She focused on building confidence in her students, encouraging them to embrace mistakes and learn from them.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 22: (L-R) Anne Burrell and Stuart Claxton attend as City Harvest Presents The 2025 Gala: Carnaval at Cipriani 42nd Street on April 22, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for City Harvest)
Her Life and Legacy
Anne met her husband, Stuart, on the dating app Bumble in 2018, and the two quickly formed a connection. They got engaged in 2020 during the COVID-19 quarantine and married in October 2021 in a ceremony attended by close friends and Food Network colleagues. Anne often reflected on her love for marriage, saying in an interview with People in March 2023, “I love being married. We’re together all the time because Stuart works from home. It’s the being together all the time, but it’s also the adventure together.”
Anne and Stuart had settled into a newly renovated Brooklyn apartment, enjoying their life together and sharing their experiences on social media.
A Loss to the World
Anne Burrell’s sudden death has left a void in the culinary world and in the hearts of those who knew her. Her impact on cooking, both through her TV shows and her infectious personality, will continue to inspire many.
As her family mourns, we remember her legacy of positivity, encouragement, and the love she shared with those around her. Rest in peace, Anne.
