As the world reels from the sudden death of beloved chef Anne Burrell at just 55, hearts are breaking over her final Instagram post – a vibrant, carefree moment now hauntingly redefined as a farewell no one saw coming.
On Tuesday, June 17, at approximately 7:50 a.m., emergency responders were called to Anne Burrell’s Brooklyn apartment, where the host of Worst Cooks in America was found “unconscious and unresponsive.”
The beloved celebrity chef was pronounced dead at the scene. She was only 55.
Though the NYPD had not publicly identified her by name, People confirmed the address matched Burrell’s Brooklyn residence.
Her representatives later confirmed the heartbreaking news Tuesday afternoon and tributes for the celebrity chef started pouring in.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away,” The Food Network shared in a touching Facebook post.
“Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent – teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring. Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”
Final post
Only days before she died, Burrell shared a photo on Instagram – her last message to her 696,000 followers.
In the image, posted June 12, she stood smiling alongside Elizabeth Eaton Rosenthal, a colorful New York artist and fabric designer better known as “The Green Lady of Brooklyn.”
The two appeared cheerful and carefree, capturing a vibrant slice of New York City life.
“I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! I’m not going to lie – I have been keeping an eye out for her. I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!!” Burrell penned in her final message to the world.
Responding moments later, Rosenthal – who’s always seen wearing green – wrote in the comments section, “Hi Ann, it was so much fun meeting you. See you again soon in the neighborhood, the only thing I make is coffee and fig preserves from my fig tree. love and hugs, Elizabeth.”
Rosenthal later returned to the comments with a touching invitation, writing that she hoped Burrell would come to her garden to “pick figs when they are ready,” noting they usually begin to ripen in September. She sweetly added, “Come and visit the garden on a sunny day anyway.”
‘Grieving someone you knew from afar’
Burrell, who was known for her fiery hair, larger-than-life personality, and bold culinary skills, was more than just a Food Network star – she was a trailblazer, mentor, and inspiration to countless aspiring chefs.
Shows like Chopped and Iron Chef America made her a household name, but it was her warmth and authenticity that made fans feel like they knew her personally.
As news traveled about her death, fans and friends flooded the comment section of her final Instagram post with messages of disbelief, grief, and love.
“It’s MORE than OKAY to feel deep pain when someone inspiring passes. There is NO shame in grieving someone you knew from afar. You will be missed [Anne Burrell],” shares one netizen.
A second writes, “She was literally just posting days ago!! How can this be??”
Offering evidence to the influence Burrell had from behind the screen, a third laments: “Chef Anne, when I learned about your death this morning I cried. I am so beyond heartbroken. We have all lost a beautiful, spunky and sweet, sweet soul in this world. I started watching the food network and cooking more because of you. You will be missed forever.”
Even Rosenthal shared a tribute in the comments, adding to the emotional weight of the moment.
“Hi Anne, you are such a lovely person just to meet and not knowing you. I just love you and so sorry but come to my garden and visit with all your beauty and love, and I will be waiting for you,” Rosenthal penned.
Burrell leaves behind her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in a fairytale October ceremony in 2021. She is also survived by her stepson, Javier, her mother Marlene, her sister Jane, her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, and her brother Ben.
The post, once a simple snapshot of a city outing, now stands as a powerful reminder of life’s fragility – a final glimpse into Burrell’s joyful spirit, frozen in time.
Rest in peace, Anne Burrell. Please share your condolences in the comments section below and then share this story so we can hear from others.
READ MORE
- New details emerge in shocking death of Anne Burrell
- Anne Burrell ‘in high spirits’ hours before sudden death
