Anne Burrell found dead by husband after suspected cardiac arrest
Celebrity chef Anne Burrell dies at 55 after being discovered unresponsive at home; NYFD responded to a reported cardiac arrest early Tuesday morning
Beloved TV chef Anne Burrell was found unresponsive by her husband, Stuart Claxton, in their Brooklyn apartment early Tuesday. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. She was 55.
Anne Burrell was discovered unconscious on the morning of June 17, 2025, lying on the floor of the couple’s shower. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Claxton had last seen her around 1 a.m. and found her body six to seven hours later. Despite being advised to perform CPR, Burrell was reportedly already cold when Claxton found her. The New York Fire Department confirmed they responded to a report of cardiac arrest at 7:50 a.m.
The New York City Police Department confirmed that she was pronounced dead at the scene. The official cause of death has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Anne appeared happy the night before
Just hours earlier, Burrell had participated in a live improv show in Brooklyn, the final performance of a class she had joined. Friends who were with her described her as “in great spirits,” full of energy and joy. “Typical fun, outgoing Anne,” one attendee said.
Born in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell found her culinary inspiration in her mother’s kitchen and through watching Julia Child. She made a career out of helping others feel confident in their cooking, especially through her long-running role on Worst Cooks in America. Known for her clear guidance and upbeat demeanor, she encouraged beginners to embrace their mistakes and find joy in the kitchen.
“Don’t just try to wing it,” she once said. “Find a recipe, read it from beginning to end before you start.”
A life built around love and food
Anne met her husband, Stuart Claxton, on Bumble in 2018. The couple got engaged in 2020 and were married in October 2021. Their life together, as Anne shared in interviews, was filled with laughter, routine, and renovation projects in their Brooklyn apartment.
“I love being married,” she told People in 2023. “It’s the adventure together.”
In a statement released following her death, Burrell’s family said: “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered… her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
Anne Burrell’s sudden death has left a deep void for those who knew her personally and for the many viewers who felt connected to her through the screen. She made cooking feel possible for everyone — and made joy part of the recipe.
