The world is mourning the sudden and shocking loss of celebrity chef Anne Burrell — a woman known for her fiery personality, signature spiky hair, and boundless energy in the kitchen. At just 55, fans are left stunned, asking how someone so full of life could be gone so soon.
Now, heartbreaking new details are starting to emerge — and they may offer some clues about what really happened in her final days.
Her husband found her
The culinary world is still reeling after the sudden and unexpected death of Food Network favorite Anne Burrell. The beloved celebrity chef passed away Tuesday morning, June 17, at just 55 years old—leaving fans and friends stunned and heartbroken.
Now, heartbreaking new details are beginning to emerge about her final hours.
According to the New York Police Department, Burrell was found “unconscious and unresponsive” in her Brooklyn home and was pronounced dead at the scene. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that it was her husband, Stuart Claxton, who made the tragic discovery.
Claxton reportedly last saw his wife alive around 1 a.m. that night. Six to seven hours later, he found her lying on the shower floor of their home. The Daily Mail reports that Claxton immediately called 911 and was instructed to begin CPR — but by that time, Anne’s body was allegedly already cold.
The New York Fire Department confirmed it responded to a call for cardiac arrest at 7:50 a.m., and the woman — later identified as Burrell — was declared dead upon arrival, according to People.
Pending autopsy
Cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating due to an irregular rhythm, causes immediate unconsciousness and loss of breath. If not treated quickly, it is often fatal.
Burrell’s official cause of death is currently pending an autopsy.
What makes the tragedy even harder to grasp is how full of life Burrell seemed just hours before she died. On Monday night, June 16, she performed in a comedy improv show at The Second City in Brooklyn — the final showcase of her improv class. According to those in attendance, she was radiant.
“Everyone said she was so great last night and so happy,” a source told People.
Another attendee confirmed: “She was in great spirits last night during and after the improv show. Typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast.”
In the hours since Anne Burrell’s heartbreaking passing, tributes have poured in from across the culinary world and beyond. Many who knew her personally—or were inspired by her larger-than-life presence on screen—have shared moving words in her memory.
Heartbreaking words from Rachael Ray
One of the most emotional came from fellow Food Network star Rachael Ray, who honored her longtime friend and co-host in a heartfelt statement.
Calling Burrell a true “rockstar,” Ray reflected on the deep friendship they built during their time working together on Worst Cooks in America — a bond that extended far beyond the cameras.
“Anne honored me by asking me to be her bridesmaid, something I’d only done once before for my sister,” Ray wrote.
She also spoke warmly of Burrell’s inclusive spirit, saying, “Despite being surrounded by incredible chefs, she never once made me feel self-conscious about not being one — she always treated me as one of the gang. When we hosted Worst Cooks together, we had the most incredible laughs.”
Today, weather anchor Al Roker also took to Instagram to express his sorrow: ”So very saddening to hear of Anne Burrell’s passing at 55. What a force of nature. A truly delightful human who was supportive of other chefs and a true delight to be around. Our hearts go out to her family and close friends.”
Michelle Obama also shared her condolences in the comments, writing, ”So saddened to hear about Anne’s passing. I’ll always be thankful for her support of Let’s Move, and for joining us at the White House Easter Egg Roll to inspire kids and families with her healthy recipes. She was such a warm and talented chef and my condolences go out to her loved ones.”
Burrell’s fearless energy and unwavering kindness left a deep impression — not only on those who knew her personally, but also on the millions of us who welcomed her into our homes through the TV screen.
Anne Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, as well as her mother Marlene, sister Jane, and brother Ben. Details about the funeral arrangements have not yet been made public.
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