The sudden and tragic passing of Anne Burrell has left fans and loved ones heartbroken, as new and emotional details begin to emerge about her final hours. Just yesterday, the world learned that Anne, the vibrant and beloved celebrity chef known for her dynamic presence on Food Network, was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home on the morning of June 17, 2025. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, she could not be revived. She was only 55 years old.
In the hours following the news, sources close to Anne began sharing touching insights into her demeanor the night before her passing. On Monday, June 16, Anne participated in an improv comedy show at The Second City in Brooklyn — an event marking the grand finale of her improv class, something she had eagerly shared with her followers on Instagram. Those in attendance recalled how full of life she seemed that evening.
“Everyone said she was so great last night and so happy,” a source told People. Another attendee, who was with her at the event, echoed those sentiments: “She was in great spirits during and after the improv show. Typical Anne — outgoing, joyful, having a blast. It was the Anne we all know and love.”
Tragically, just hours later, the New York City Police Department would confirm that Anne Burrell had been found “unconscious and unresponsive” and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death sent shockwaves throughout the culinary world and beyond, as fans, friends, and colleagues tried to come to terms with the sudden loss of someone who had brought so much energy and light into people’s lives.
Further heartbreaking details have now been revealed about the moment she was discovered. According to law enforcement sources cited by TMZ, it was Anne’s husband, Stuart Claxton, who found her lying on the floor of their shower. He had last seen her alive around 1:00 a.m. that morning. When he discovered her six or seven hours later, she was unresponsive. Reports from The Daily Mail indicate that Claxton immediately dialed 911 and was instructed to begin CPR. However, by then, Anne’s body had already gone cold.
A likely cause of death is beginning to surface. According to The Daily Mail, the New York Fire Department confirmed that they had responded to a cardiac arrest call at 7:50 a.m. on Tuesday morning. While the official medical examiner’s report has not been released, the cardiac event is believed to be the reason behind her untimely passing.
Only weeks before her death, Anne had attended public events with her husband, including a gala at Cipriani 42nd Street hosted by City Harvest in April 2025. She looked radiant and cheerful in photos taken that evening, standing hand in hand with Stuart, a man she often described as her partner in both love and adventure.
In a touching statement released by her family, Anne was remembered not just as a chef and TV personality, but as a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend. “Anne’s smile lit up every room she entered. Her light radiated far beyond those she knew personally, touching millions around the globe. Though she is no longer physically with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal,” the family wrote.
Born on September 21, 1969, in the quaint town of Cazenovia, New York, Anne Burrell found her love for cooking early in life. She was deeply influenced by her mother’s homemade meals and the legendary Julia Child. That inspiration guided her path through culinary school and ultimately onto television, where her flair and humor brought joy and relatability to kitchens everywhere.
Anne’s mission was always to make cooking fun and approachable. On shows like Worst Cooks in America, she championed culinary underdogs, teaching beginners to embrace the process and have confidence, even in the face of mistakes. Her signature encouragement — loud, bold, and full of heart — helped people overcome their fear of the kitchen. She was known for saying, “Don’t try to wing it. Find a recipe, read it from beginning to end, and go into it prepared.” It was a reflection of her respect for both the art and science of cooking.
Beyond the camera, Anne was deeply devoted to her personal life, especially her relationship with her husband, Stuart Claxton. The two met on the dating app Bumble in 2018, got engaged in April 2020 during quarantine in New York, and tied the knot in October 2021 in a beautiful ceremony attended by close friends, family, and many of her Food Network colleagues.
In a March 2023 interview with People, Anne spoke glowingly about married life: “I have to say, 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.” Stuart added in the same interview, “It’s been wonderful, to say the least.”
Together, they renovated a cozy apartment in Brooklyn, a project Anne enthusiastically described as “setting up the marital home.” She shared how rewarding it was to watch their vision come together and create a space full of warmth and memories. Their life together was a blend of laughter, partnership, and shared dreams — a true testament to their bond.
Anne Burrell was more than just a chef; she was a teacher, a cheerleader, and a bright spark in so many people’s lives. Her presence was infectious, her energy unforgettable. Her passion for food and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life made her a fixture in households across America.
Though she is gone far too soon, the legacy she leaves behind — through her television shows, her recipes, and the joy she brought to cooking — will continue to inspire future generations. The culinary world has lost a star, but Anne Burrell’s flame will keep burning in the hearts of all who were touched by her talent, kindness, and love.
Rest in peace, Anne. You will be missed more than words can say.
