By Andrew Hoxha 
The culinary world remains in shock as news continues to unfold about the sudden and tragic passing of beloved celebrity chef Anne Burrell. The Food Network personality, known for her bold cooking style and signature spiky blond hair, died on June 17, 2025, at just 55 years old.
Early reports indicate that Burrell was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home, where paramedics responded swiftly after receiving a 911 call reporting a cardiac arrest. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The exact cause of her death remains under investigation, pending results from an autopsy by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
For years, Burrell was a familiar face in kitchens across America, thanks to her energetic, approachable presence on shows like Worst Cooks in America, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, and Iron Chef America. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in 1996, Burrell also taught at the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan before launching her TV career. Beyond the screen, she authored bestselling cookbooks, including Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen.
While millions admired her culinary skills, Burrell’s personal journey was equally inspiring. She had previously been engaged to fellow chef Koren Grieveson, with whom she shared several years together. But after their separation, Burrell unexpectedly found love again in 2018 when she met Stuart Claxton on Bumble.
Their relationship blossomed quickly. Claxton, unaware of Burrell’s celebrity status at the time, was instantly captivated by her charm. The chef once fondly shared that Claxton’s unfamiliarity with her fame was refreshing and “kind of helped” their bond grow naturally.
When Claxton decided to propose, he did so with care and family involvement. With Burrell’s mother’s blessing and assistance, Claxton orchestrated a private, intimate proposal during a family gathering in her hometown of Cazenovia, New York. Speaking about the moment, Burrell recalled being delightfully surprised by the romantic gesture.
Just months after their engagement, Burrell and Claxton celebrated their love with a whimsical wedding at Windridge Estates Redbarn 20 in Cazenovia. The ceremony was a fairytale affair complete with a horse-drawn carriage, Caroline Herrera gown, and close friends—including many Food Network colleagues. Claxton’s teenage son Javier stood proudly by his father’s side as best man.
Despite the whirlwind of wedding planning, the couple chose to skip a traditional honeymoon, instead settling into their newly renovated Brooklyn apartment. Burrell often spoke about how much she cherished their home life together. The space, complete with a state-of-the-art kitchen and stunning skyline views, offered them the perfect retreat.
Throughout their marriage, Burrell embraced both her role as wife and stepmother. She frequently shared joyful glimpses of their life together on social media, celebrating holidays, cooking meals, and creating treasured family moments. One Valentine’s Day post featured a sweet wedding photo alongside a heartfelt caption, reflecting the deep bond they shared.
Professionally, Burrell continued to thrive. Most recently, she appeared on House of Knives in March 2025, while also pursuing a personal passion for improv comedy. Just days before her death, she performed at The Second City in Brooklyn, delighting her classmates and audience members with her trademark humor and energy. Eyewitnesses from that evening described her as vibrant, cheerful, and full of life—making the news of her passing all the more devastating.
“She was in great spirits last night during and after the improv show,”
one source told *People*.
“Typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast.”
In one of her final Instagram posts, she radiated her usual enthusiasm, sharing a chance encounter with Brooklyn’s iconic Green Lady.
“I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl 💚💚💚,”
she wrote, capturing her infectious spirit.
As tributes pour in from around the world, Anne Burrell is remembered not only for her culinary talent but for her genuine warmth, joy, and the boundless enthusiasm she brought to everything she touched. Her legacy lives on in the countless home cooks she empowered, the students she taught, the audiences she entertained, and the loved ones she cherished so deeply.