Anne Burrell honored by famous friends as reports emerge she suffered cardiac arrest
Food Network star Anne Burrell reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at her home shortly before her death.
The Fire Department of New York shared that emergency personnel responded to a report of a cardiac arrest at Burrell’s home on Tuesday, according to a report from 'Today.'
The FDNY didn’t identify the patient, but they were found dead after crews arrived on the scene around 7:50 a.m.
A formal cause of death is pending an autopsy with the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
Representatives confirmed Burrell’s death in a statement provided to 'Today.'
“With her trademark spiky blonde hair and sparkling personality, Anne Burrell was the hugely popular and fan favorite host of Food Network’s hit show, 'Worst Cooks in America.’ Burrell was an industry veteran and passionate teacher who prided herself on her work in the culinary world.”
Burrell’s sudden death at 55 has sparked an outpouring of love and condolences for the chef from her fellow Food Network stars, TV chefs, and famous fans.
Sandra Lee said in a statement to Us Weekly, “Anne Burrell was smart. She was sweet. She was funny. She was larger than life. She lived it completely, unabashedly, and uniquely. I’ll never forget the first time I met her in a casino in Atlantic City, she boldly approached me, introducing herself with her girl gang — she was so endearing, so so funny and delightful.”
Lee added, “Anne was one of a kind. May she rest in glory — another culinary royalty in heaven guiding all of our recipes now. Love u always, Anne — Sandy!”
Guy Fieri shared a post on X, writing a simple, “Rest easy, @chefanneburrell.”
Gigi Hadid, who appeared with Burrell on an episode of “Beat Bobby Flay,” shared a touching post on her Instagram stories.
“I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of the Great Anne Burrell,” she wrote, alongside a photo of the two on set. “As a longtime fan, getting to share this day with her was a dream come true. Beat Bobby. Hang. Eat. I wish we could have done it again. She was awesome. Rest in Peace, Legend.”
Vivica A. Fox, who appeared on a season of Burrell’s show “Worst Cooks in America,” wrote in a statement to People Magazine, "Anne taught me all about good food! I had a BLAST working with her and going to her restaurant for a good meal. I'll miss her kindness, smile and great hair! May she rest in paradise."
Burrell was in “great spirits” the night before her death and had just performed at an improv show at The Second City New York in Brooklyn, according to a report from the outlet.
On her Instagram, Burrell shared that her class was coming to an end on June 16 and would be performing a full show.
“Everyone said she was so great last night and so happy,” a source told people, with a separate source adding Burrell “was in great spirits last night during and after the improv show. Typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast.”
Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, and his son, Javier, as well as her mother Marlene, her sister Jane, and children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.
