The culinary world is mourning the loss of beloved Food Network star Anne Burrell, who passed away at the age of 55. Fellow chefs and friends, including Rachael Ray and Bobby Flay, have broken their silence, sharing heartfelt tributes as new details surrounding Burrell’s death begin to surface.
Friends and Colleagues Share Tributes
Tributes have poured in for the vibrant chef, remembering her warmth, energy, and impact on the lives she touched both on and off screen.
Rachael Ray’s Heartfelt Farewell
Rachael Ray, who worked closely with Burrell for multiple seasons on the hit show Worst Cooks in America, shared her profound sadness on Instagram. Ray described the news as truly shaking her and her husband John, stating they are “heartbroken.” She reflected on Burrell as a “strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love,” finding it hard to believe she is gone so soon.
Ray fondly recalled their time together, emphasizing that Burrell became “so much more than a colleague.” Despite Ray not being a professional chef, Burrell always made her feel like “one of the gang.” Their time co-hosting Worst Cooks was filled with “incredible laughs.” Ray also shared personal memories, including the honor of being a bridesmaid at Burrell’s wedding and Burrell cooking for Ray and her guests during a wedding anniversary celebration in Italy.
“I’ll miss her friendship deeply,” Ray wrote, adding that “Everyone whose life she touched will miss her.” She concluded her post by sending love to Burrell’s husband, Stuart Claxton, and all who knew and loved Anne, acknowledging the loss of someone truly special.
Bobby Flay Remembers Burrell’s Impact
Bobby Flay, another prominent Food Network personality, also paid tribute to Burrell through an Instagram story. He fondly remembered Worst Cooks in America as “the funnest show on TV,” noting that he and other co-hosts felt they were “just alongside for the Anne Burrell ride,” highlighting her commanding presence and energy on the show.
Flay also shared a more personal anecdote, revealing that one of the “greatest gifts” he received from Burrell was her introduction to the world of Maine Coon cats, including his own cherished cat, Nacho. It was “a gift that I’ll have forever,” Flay wrote.
Emerging Details About Burrell’s Passing
Reports indicate that Anne Burrell reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at her home on Tuesday morning. Further details about the circumstances surrounding her death are now emerging.
Law enforcement sources have reportedly told TMZ that Burrell’s husband, Stuart Claxton, discovered her unconscious in the bathroom. Claxton had last seen his wife alive around 1 a.m. and reportedly found her on the shower floor in their New York City home six to seven hours later. A formal cause of death is pending an autopsy being conducted by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
Family Statement
Burrell’s family released a statement to People Magazine, remembering Anne as “a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend.” They shared that “her smile lit up every room she entered” and that “Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world.” The family acknowledged that while she is no longer physically present, “her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
Anne Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, his son, Javier, her mother Marlene, her sister Jane, and children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.
