The culinary world is mourning the unexpected passing of celebrity chef Anne Burrell, best known for hosting Worst Cooks in America on Food Network. The 55-year-old chef was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home on June 17, 2025. Emergency responders arrived quickly after receiving a 911 call reporting cardiac arrest. Despite their efforts, Burrell was pronounced dead at the scene. The official cause of death remains unconfirmed, pending an autopsy.
Burrell’s career spanned decades, earning her widespread respect in the culinary community. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she hosted several Food Network programs, including Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and appeared on Iron Chef. She also taught at the Institute of Culinary Education. Outside her professional life, Burrell married Stuart Claxton in 2020, becoming stepmother to his son, Javier.
Their romance began on a dating app and quickly blossomed. Claxton proposed during an intimate family gathering, and the couple celebrated a beautiful wedding in Cazenovia, New York. Burrell, known for her joyful personality, described the ceremony as a “magical fairytale” event. Following their marriage, the couple chose to spend their honeymoon at home in their newly renovated Brooklyn apartment, valuing the comfort of their personal space.
Burrell often shared glimpses of her happy married life on social media, posting sweet moments with Claxton and Javier. A beloved figure in the culinary world, her sudden passing has left fans and colleagues in shock. Tributes continue to pour in as many remember her vibrant spirit, culinary talent, and the joy she brought to both her personal life and her career.