On June 17, 2025, the Food Network community and beyond were rattled by the death of Worst Cooks in America cohost Anne Burrell.
Her family confirmed her death at age 55 in a statement to Us Weekly.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” the statement read. “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.”
Burrell is survived by her mother, Marlene, and sister, Jane, as well as her husband Stuart Claxton (whom she married in October 2021) and his son, Javier.
Anne Burrell Had Cryptic Response for ‘Worst Cooks’ Absence Before Death
Us rounds up everything we know about Burrell’s death so far.
Anne Burrell Was Found Unresponsive in Her Home After Her Death
Burrell’s cause of death has not yet been revealed. However, a 911 caller claimed that the chef went into “cardiac arrest” and was “DOA [dead on arrival],” a rep for the New York City Fire Department told multiple outlets on June 18, 2025.
The New York City Police Department confirmed that Burrell was found unresponsive inside her home in Brooklyn, New York, on June 17, 2025. A spokesperson for the department told Us that she was pronounced dead “at the scene” after authorities responded to a 911 call and discovered “an unconscious and unresponsive” 55-year-old female.
Police from the 76th Precinct were alerted to the scene “at approximately 7:50 a.m.” NYPD officials confirmed that an investigation was underway.
Anne Burrell Made Her Improv Comedy Debut Hours Before Her Death
Burrell made her improv comedy debut at The Second City NYC in Brooklyn, New York, on June 16, 2025. One of the TV host’s classmates, Jane Margolis, revealed via Instagram Stories that she had been with Burrell on the night before her death.
“Spent last night enjoying Anne’s cooking and doing an improv show together,” Margolis wrote alongside a news post about Burrell’s death. “Still in shock but so glad I got to know you.”
Us reached out to Margolis for further comment.
Burrell revealed her plans to make her improv comedy debut via an Instagram post on June 9.
Mario Batali Shares Sweet Tribute to Late Sous Chef Anne Burrell
“Sooooooo … as I have mentioned I have been taking Improv classes @thesecondcitytc and having an ABSOLUTE blast!!! My class and I are coming to the end of this term and we get to do an actual show!!!” she wrote. “If anyone is interested in stopping by on Monday June 16 at 9 pm @thesecondcity in Brooklyn please feel free!! We are a small but SUPER fun bunch!!”
A source told People that Burrell was reportedly in “great spirits” and “so happy” during her comedy performance, while a second source added that everyone is “shocked and confused” regarding the details surrounding her death.
The NYC branch of Second City paid tribute to Burrell via Instagram after her death.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and student, Anne Burrell,” the post read. “She will be missed and remembered as a vibrant part of our Second City New York Training Center community. Anne brought joy, boldness, and an unwavering ‘yes, and’ spirit. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her presence unforgettable. Our thoughts go out to Anne’s family and loved ones.”
