Celebrity chef Anne Burrell, widely recognized for her appearances on Food Network shows such as “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef” and “Worst Cooks in America,” unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the age of 55. The news of her death sent shockwaves through the culinary world and beyond. Initial reports, including one from TMZ, stated that Burrell was found unconscious and unresponsive at her Brooklyn home, where paramedics were unable to revive her, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. As of writing, the official cause of death has not been released, with an autopsy pending as part of an ongoing investigation.

The suddenness of Burrell’s passing was further underscored by the recent revelation of her final professional endeavor. Just one day prior to her death, on Monday, June 16, CareRite Centers, a Florida-based network of rehabilitation and nursing facilities, announced their partnership with Burrell to expand their Signature Culinary Excellence program. Burrell had visited six centers earlier in June, with a mission to “elevate the standard of dining in healthcare with meals that are ‘good for the soul’.” This collaboration highlighted her continued dedication to culinary excellence and her passion for food's positive impact on people's lives.

Tributes poured in from various sources, reflecting the widespread impact of her warmth and talent. Food Network expressed its profound sadness, calling Anne a “remarkable person and culinary talent” who always shared “the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring.” Her representatives released a statement to Today, noting her “trademark spiky blonde hair and sparkling personality” and recognizing her as “an industry veteran and passionate teacher who prided herself on her work in the culinary world.”

Burrell’s loved ones also shared a heartfelt statement with People magazine and Page Six: “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — 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.”

Fans and fellow celebrities reacted with disbelief and sorrow, particularly in light of her seemingly happy and healthy demeanor just days before her passing. Her final Instagram post on June 12 showed her smiling alongside Elizabeth Sweetheart, the renowned “Green Lady of Brooklyn,” with Burrell expressing her delight at the encounter. The post’s comment section quickly filled with messages of grief and remembrance from heartbroken fans and colleagues, including TV host Bobby Berk, after the news broke.

Throughout her career, Anne Burrell developed a profound love for cooking from a young age. She honed her craft at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York before traveling to Italy to further her culinary education. In her personal life, Anne Burrell married Stuart Claxton, who works in ad sales for Univision, in 2021. She became a beloved stepmother to Claxton’s son, Javier. She is also survived by her mother, Marlene, and her siblings, Jane and Ben, who mourn her profound loss.