Anne Burrell ‘in high spirits’ hours before sudden death

Fans are still grappling with the heartbreaking reality of Anne Burrell’s death.
Now, fresh and emotional eyewitness accounts from her final hours have surfaced.

Beloved TV chef Anne Burrell was found dead early Tuesday morning, June 17, in her Brooklyn, New York home. Police and emergency responders arrived to find her ”unconscious and unresponsive”, and the TV star was pronounced dead at the scene. She was just 55 years old.

The cause of death has not yet been determined, with family and fans anxiously awaiting the results of an autopsy to be conducted by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

By all accounts, Burrell had no idea anything tragic was about to happen. The “Worst Cooks in America” star appeared to be in high spirits the night before her passing. On Monday, June 16, Anne took part in an improv comedy show at The Second City in Brooklyn — the finale of her improv class, according to her Instagram.

“Everyone said she was so great last night and so happy,” a source shared with People.

Another source who was with her at the show confirmed, “She was in great spirits last night during and after the improv show. Typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast.”

The source added that everyone is still “shocked and confused” because Anne seemed perfectly fine when the event ended.

Final Instagram post
Looking back at Burrell’s social media in the weeks leading up to her tragic passing, it’s clear she was happy and hopeful. Just days before her shocking death, The Food Network star shared what would become her final Instagram post.

The beloved chef posted a photo of herself with NYC icon Elizabeth Eaton Rosenthal, famously known as the Green Lady of Brooklyn. Posing together on a Brooklyn street, Burrell captioned the joyful photo: “I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! I’m not going to lie— I have been keeping an eye out for her. I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!!”

And just over a week before she died, on Monday, June 9, she told her Instagram followers she was “having an ABSOLUTE blast” taking improv classes.

In a post before that, she promoted her upcoming show on Monday, June 16, sharing photos with some of her classmates along with a selfie taken at The Second City venue.

Burrell first revealed she was enrolled in “Improv for Actors” on Wednesday, March 19, writing, “Can I just say it is SO much fun and I am learning so SO much!!! It really helps me get out of my shell… as if I needed that!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl.”

Then, on Monday, April 28, she announced the start of term 2 for the program, excitedly sharing, “I’m THRILLED to be back!!”

Anne Burrell, born in 1969, launched her TV career after teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education in the early 2000s.

She quickly became a familiar face, starring in popular shows like Iron Chef America, Chef Wanted, Chopped, and Worst Cooks in America. Most recently, in March 2025, she appeared on the competition series House of Knives.

Beyond her television work, Burrell was also a successful author. She published two cookbooks: Cook Like a Rock Star in 2011, which became a New York Times bestseller, and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower.

She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, his son, Javier, her mother, Marlena, and her siblings, Jane and Ben.

After the tragic news of her passing, Anne’s family released a heartfelt statement, saying she ”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.”