Heartbreaking new details are emerging regarding the sudden passing of Anne Burrell.
Yesterday news broke that Burrell had been found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home on the morning of June 17, 2025, and emergency responders were unable to revive her. She passed away aged just 55.
Subsequent accounts claim that Burrell appeared to be in high spirits the night before her death. On Monday, June 16, the beloved TV chef took part in an improv comedy show at The Second City in Brooklyn — the finale of her improv class, according to her Instagram.
“Everyone said she was so great last night and so happy,” a source shared with People.
Another source who was with her at the show confirmed: “She was in great spirits last night during and after the improv show. Typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast.”
The New York City Police Department, meanwhile, revealed that Burrell was discovered “unconscious and unresponsive” and was pronounced dead at the scene.
New information has now come to light detailing how Burrell was initially discovered lying on the shower floor by her husband, Stuart Claxton.
Law enforcement sources are said to have told TMZ that Claxton last saw his wife alive at around 1am the night prior. He then found her unconscious between six to seven hours later in the couple’s bathroom.
The Daily Mail report that Claxton contacted 911and was advised to perform CPR. However, Burrell’s body was allegedly already cold.
A possible cause of death has now also been indicated, with the Daily Mail citing confirmation from the New York Fire Department that they had responded to a report of a cardiac arrest at 7.50am on Tuesday.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her 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.”
Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell developed a passion for cooking at a young age, inspired by her mother’s homemade dishes and the influence of culinary icon Julia Child.
Anne’s mission was to make cooking enjoyable, not intimidating. On shows like Worst Cooks in America, she focused on supporting beginners with encouragement and positivity, helping people gain confidence by embracing mistakes as part of the learning process.
She also stressed the importance of preparation and discipline in the kitchen. “Find a recipe for it. Don’t just try to wing it. Find a recipe, read several recipes and pick out the one that you feel most comfortable with or the one that you like the best, and then read it from beginning to end before you start cooking,” she advised.
Anne and her husband Stuart met on Bumble in 2018, got engaged in April 2020 while quarantining in New York, and married in October 2021 at a ceremony with close friends and Food Network colleagues.
Reflecting on their relationship in a March 2023 interview with People, Anne said: “I have to say, I love being married. 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.” Stuart added: “It’s been wonderful, to say the least.”
The couple settled into a renovated Brooklyn apartment, enjoying their new life together. Anne shared: “We’ve been getting the marital home set up. And it’s just been so fun to see that all come together.”
Rest in peace, Anne Burrel.