BROOKLYN — Emerging today from a wave of heartbreak, beloved Food Network chef Anne Burrell, 55, has passed away at her Brooklyn home on June 17, 2025. Found unconscious and unresponsive by EMS that morning, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say the cause of death is still under investigation, pending autopsy by the medical examiner 

Burrell’s husband, Stuart Claxton, stepson Javier, mother Marlene, sister Jane, and brother Ben issued a heartbreaking statement through her reps. “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” the family said. “Her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal” 

Fans and colleagues across the culinary world are in shock. Food Network posted: “We are deeply saddened… Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent,” their tribute read. Chef Aarón Sanchez added, “Her spirit, her fire, her talent… unforgettable. I’ll carry her memory always”.

Anne Burrell was known for her bold Food Network presence as co-host of Worst Cooks in America and star of Secrets of a Restaurant Chef. She first gained fame as a sous-chef on Iron Chef America in 2005. In recent years, she made a splash in the competition House of Knives. Off-camera, she wrote two cookbooks, launched restaurants, and supported charities — earning a reputation for generosity and mentorship.

In October 2021, she married Stuart Claxton, whom she met on Bumble in 2018. He is a marketing executive and father to Javier. The couple shared a close-knit life, with Javier often by their side.

The sudden loss of Anne leaves a bright void in kitchens and hearts everywhere. Tributes keep rolling in, underscoring her legacy as a chef, mentor, and shining human light. As we await the official cause of death following the autopsy, one thing is clear: Anne Burrell’s spirit and passion will continue to inspire home cooks and professionals around the world.