Food Network fans are in shock after chef Anne Burrell, the beloved host of Worst Cooks In America, was found dead in her New York City home on Tuesday morning. She was 55 years-old. Now, new details have come to light about her passing.
Burrell Found Dead At 55
The New York City Police Department told People Magazine that Burrell was found “unconscious and unresponsive” in her Brooklyn home. Officers from the 76th Precinct responded to a call about an “an unconscious and unresponsive 55-year-old female” at around 7:50am. Police said that EMS “responded and pronounced her deceased on scene.”
At the time of this writing, no cause of death has been revealed. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner is currently performing an autopsy on Burrell’s body.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” Burrell’s family said in a statement. “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.”
The Food Network also honored Burrell after her passing.
“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,” a Food Network representative told The New York Post.
“Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss,” they concluded.
Burrell’s History
Burrell began her career as a teacher at the Institute of Culinary Education in the early 2000s. She then rose to fame appearing on Iron Chef America, Chef Wanted, Chopped and Worst Cooks in America.
Burrell was nominated for an Emmy for her work on Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which ran for nine seasons. Most recently, she was featured on the competition series House of Knives in March of 2025.
Burrell was also the author of two cookbooks. In 2011, she released Cook Like a Rock Star, which was a New York Times bestseller. Burrell went on to release Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower in 2013.
Related: Dick Van Dyke’s Beloved Co-Star Dies At 90
Burrell’s Final Instagram Post
Days before her death, Burrell shared what would turn out to be her final Instagram post.
“I ran into [the Green Lady of Brooklyn] in my neighborhood today!” she wrote on June 12. Indeed, this caption came alongside a selfie of Burrell with the NYC fixture Elizabeth Eaton Rosenthal. “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,” Burrell added. “She is just lovely!!!”
Rosenthal, 84, is known as the Green Lady of Brooklyn because she has only worn green for over 20 years. Rosenthal responded to Burrell in the comments section by inviting her to her garden.
“Hi Anne, 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,” the Green Lady of Brooklyn wrote along with several green heart emojis.
“Hi Anne,” Rosenthal later added on Sunday, “I would like to invite you to my garden and pick figs when they are ready, usually beginning to ripen beginning September, and come and visit the garden on a sunny day anyway.”
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Burrell’s Family
Burrell is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, and his son, Javier. She met Claxton on the dating app Bumble in 2018. They then married in October of 2021.
“I have to say, I love being married,” Burrell gushed in 2023. “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.”
Burrell is also survived by her mother, two siblings, two nieces, and a nephew. Please join us in saying a prayer for Burrell’s family and friends during this incredibly tragic time.
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