Celebrity chef Anne Burrell was found dead inside her Brooklyn home Tuesday morning, and police sources say her body was discovered next to dozens of pills.
Burrell, 55, was unresponsive in the shower around 8 a.m. when her husband, Stuart Claxton, found her and called 911. The Food Network star was pronounced dead at the scene.
Though initial reports suggest she may have gone into cardiac arrest, her official cause of death has not yet been determined by the city medical examiner.
Burrell had reportedly performed at a Brooklyn improv show just hours before her death and was last seen around 1 a.m. “in great spirits,” according to a witness.
As speculation swirls about the pills found near her body, law enforcement sources caution that it’s too early to draw any conclusions.
Burrell, known for her spiky platinum hair and lively presence on camera, was a major figure on the Food Network. She hosted “Worst Cooks in America” for years and appeared on hit shows like “Iron Chef America,” “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” “Chef Wanted,” and “Chopped.” Her long TV run earned her an Emmy nomination and made her a household name in the culinary world.
Her family released a heartfelt statement mourning her loss:
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered. 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 graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996 and made her mark in New York City kitchens before rising to television fame. She published two cookbooks, including the New York Times bestseller “Cook Like a Rock Star.”
Just five days before her sudden death, Burrell posted what would become her final Instagram message — a photo of herself with iconic Brooklyn street artist the Green Lady, writing, “I’m not going to lie — I have been keeping an eye out for her.”
The Food Network also paid tribute, saying, “Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent — teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring.”
Fellow chefs Bobby Flay and Rachael Ray — a longtime friend who once had Burrell as a bridesmaid in her wedding — have publicly expressed their condolences.