She was truly unlike anyone else—brilliant, kind-hearted, and overflowing with talent.
The world is now mourning the loss of Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell.
Known for her bold energy and iconic spiky blonde hair, Anne Burrell passed away suddenly at the age of 55.
She was discovered unresponsive at her home in Brooklyn on the morning of June 17, 2025. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, she could not be revived. Details are now beginning to emerge about her untimely death.
The New York City Police Department reported that Burrell was found “unconscious and unresponsive” and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ongoing Investigation
While authorities initially withheld her identity to notify next of kin, the address given in their statement reportedly matched her residence, according to People.
Her family later confirmed the heartbreaking news. The city’s medical examiner is expected to perform an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Anne developed a deep love for cooking early on, inspired by her mother’s meals and the influence of culinary icon Julia Child.
But Anne’s influence stretched far beyond the culinary world. A beloved figure on the Food Network, she was also a dedicated wife, stepmother, daughter, and friend.
She is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, siblings Jane and Ben, and children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas. Her family released a touching tribute:
“Anne was a cherished wife, sister, daughter, stepmom, and friend—her smile lit up every space she entered. Her light reached well beyond those who knew her personally, touching the lives of millions around the world. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit, kindness, and love will forever endure.”
Final Moments
Anne, who was passionate about making cooking accessible and joyful, remained upbeat until the end. Just five days before her passing, she shared a cheerful Instagram post:
“I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! I’m not going to lie—I’ve 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!!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl 💚💚💚.”
In an April interview with TastingTable, one of her last, Anne spoke about the emotional relationship between cooks and their creations:
“I truly believe food senses how you feel when you’re preparing it—it responds to your emotions.”
Her mission was always to make cooking less intimidating and more fun. On shows like Worst Cooks in America, she encouraged beginners with compassion and optimism, reminding them that making mistakes is part of the journey.
Anne also championed the value of preparation in the kitchen:
“Don’t just try to wing it. Look up a recipe. Read a few, and choose the one that speaks to you.”