How Did Food Network Star Anne Burrell Die? Cause of Death Details So Far

The Food Network star’s sudden death is under investigation. Here’s what we know so far.

June 18, 2025
Chef Anne Burrell presents onstage during Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival in 2018.
Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for NYCWFF

Anne Burrell spent more than a decade as one of the Food Network’s most recognizable personalities, co-hosting Worst Cooks in America and starring in numerous other shows. Known for her bold energy in the kitchen and signature spiked hair, she became a fan favorite in the culinary world.

On Tuesday, June 17, fans and fellow chefs were shocked to learn that Burrell had died. She was 55.

What was Burrell's cause of death?

As of now, Burrell’s official cause of death has not been released.

"Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered," the cookbook author’s family said in a statement obtained by People. "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."

A spokesperson for the New York Police Department told CNN that officers responded to an address associated with Burrell around 7:50 a.m. ET Tuesday morning.

"When officers arrived, they observed a 55-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded and pronounced the female deceased at the scene," the statement read.

An autopsy is being conducted by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

When was Burrell last active on social media?

The TV personality’s final Instagram post was shared just five days before her death. She posted a photo with the Green Lady of Brooklyn and captioned it, “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 💚💚💚.”

The Green Lady herself responded the following day, writing, “Hi Ann 💚 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 💚 Elizabeth 😘💚”

Since news of Burrell’s death broke, fans have filled the comments section with disbelief.

“She was literally just posting days ago!! How can this be??” one person wrote.

“To think this is her last post! I feel so broken.... heartbreak.....” added another.

“Your last post! Noooo, no, no, no! 💔💔” shared a third.

Who was Burrell’s husband?

Burrell was married to Stuart Claxton, a marketing executive she met on Bumble in 2018. The couple got engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic and tied the knot in October 2021 at Windridge Estate in Cazenovia, New York. Rachael Ray served as one of her bridesmaids.

"I have to say, I love being married,” the Secrets of a Restaurant Chef host told People 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.”

The couple shared a renovated apartment in Brooklyn, where Burrell embraced her role as stepmom to Claxton’s teenage son, Javier.

Who is Burrell survived by?

In addition to Claxton and Javier, Burrell is survived by her mother, Marlene Burrell, and her sister, Jane Burrell Uzcategui.