Renowned Food Network chef and television personality Anne Burrell has died at the age of 55. She was reportedly found unresponsive in the shower by her husband, Stuart Claxton, on a Tuesday morning. While a medical examiner has not yet determined her official cause of death, the New York City Fire Department reported the incident to them as a cardiac arrest.

Burrell was a celebrated figure in the culinary world, widely known for her vibrant personality and passion for Italian cuisine. Her extensive career began with studying culinary arts in Italy, followed by working in the kitchens of esteemed New York City restaurants such as Felidia and Savoy. She rose to widespread fame as the host of “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef” and later became a beloved co-host of “Worst Cooks in America.” Beyond her television career, Anne Burrell also made significant contributions to culinary literature, authoring two bestselling cookbooks: “Cook Like a Rockstar” and “Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower.”

Following her untimely passing, a wave of tributes poured in for Anne Burrell from across the globe. Her team released a heartfelt statement emphasizing that her warmth, spirit, and boundless love would remain eternal, noting that “her smile lit up every room she entered.” Social media platforms, including X, were filled with numerous heartfelt reactions and condolences from fans and colleagues alike.

Among the many tributes, celebrity chef Bobby Flay penned a particularly emotional message on June 17, reflecting on his deep connection with Burrell. Taking to Instagram Stories, Flay shared an image of Burrell affectionately caressing two Maine Coon cats. In his tribute, he credited Burrell with introducing him to the world of Maine Coon cats, including his own beloved late cat, Nacho, a gift he would cherish forever. Flay revealed that Nacho, known for his unique charisma, was the direct inspiration behind his premium cat food line, “Made by Nacho.” He recounted how Nacho had a way of “whispering” ideas, leading him to consider how to feed pets better. Flay also shared a poignant memory of Nacho seemingly mentoring his other cat, Canelo, on his last day, describing it as the most beautiful and saddest thing he had ever witnessed.

Beyond their shared love for felines, Flay also reminisced about co-hosting “Worst Cooks in America” with Burrell from Season 3 onwards. He affectionately described it as “the funnest show on TV,” adding that all co-hosts were simply “alongside for the Anne Burrell ride,” highlighting her magnetic presence. The “Made by Nacho” brand, inspired by Nacho’s personality and Flay’s belief that cats are often overlooked in nutrition, aims to meet the same high-quality standards expected from human meals. Flay continues his connection with Maine Coons through his current cat, Stella, and maintains Instagram pages for both Nacho and Stella.