Food Network star Anne Burrell has died at the age of 55. She was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn, New York, home on the morning of Tuesday, June 17, after authorities responded to a 911 call regarding a possible cardiac arrest.
According to a report from the New York City Fire Department obtained by PEOPLE, the emergency call was made at 7:50AM.
Concerned the chef had suffered cardiac arrest, first responders from the NYPD arrived at the scene, where Burrell was pronounced dead.
While the FDNY report did not name her directly, the address matched Burrell’s residence, as confirmed by PEOPLE through public records. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not yet released an official cause of death.
In one of her final public appearances, Burrell spoke about resilience during an episode of I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead, a podcast hosted by fellow Food Network personality Rachael Ray, in December 2024.
Reflecting on the pressures of working in a kitchen, she said: “When things like that happen, you just, like, push on. You don’t even think about it in the moment, and you just carry on. And it’s like, alright. Let’s get the job done. What do we have to do?”
It was Burrell’s family who confirmed the heartbreaking news and issued a heartfelt statement shortly after news of her death was reported.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend; her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family wrote.
“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.”
I am stunned and deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Anne Burrell.
— Robert Irvine (@RobertIrvine) June 17, 2025
Anne wasn’t just a fiery chef. She was a radiant spirit who lit up every room she entered. From the very beginning on Worst Cooks in America, our friendly rivalry was fueled by mutual respect: I’d risk… pic.twitter.com/3UG7rOgIPn
Just five days earlier, Burrell had shared a smiling selfie to Instagram in what would unknowingly become her final post.
On Thursday, June 12, Burrell crossed paths with 84-year-old New York City icon Elizabeth Eaton Rosenthal, famously known as The Green Lady of Brooklyn. Their meeting clearly meant a lot to both women.
Burrell captioned the post: “I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! 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. She is just lovely!!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl”.
As previously reported, the night before Burrell died, she took part in a closing show on June 16 at The Second City venue, where she “was in great spirits last night during and after the improv show. Typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast,” a source who was with her said.
Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married on October 16, 2021; his son, Javier; her mother, Marlene; her sister, Jane; her brother, Ben; and her nieces and nephews: Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.
Our thoughts go out to Anne Burrell’s family, friends, colleagues, and fans at this tragic time.