Earlier this week, we reported that the Food Network star Anne Burrell died suddenly on Tuesday morning at the age of 55. She was found dead on the floor of her shower in her Brooklyn, New York penthouse that morning.
Now, the investigation into Burrell’s death has taken a shocking turn. Indeed, it’s only leading to more questions as to how she could have died.
Burrell’s Death Probe Takes Disturbing Turn
Sources told The New York Post that Burrell’s body was found surrounded by pills. She was discovered unresponsive in her shower by her husband Stuart Claxton just before 8am on Tuesday. He had last seen her alive at around 1am.
Hours before that, Burrell was seen publicly for the final time when she performed at an improv show on Monday night. Attendees and her fellow performers said that Burrell appeared to be healthy and in good spirits at the show.
The insiders say that it’s too early to know whether or not the pills played a role in Burrell’s death. The New York Fire Department has told Daily Mail that they responded to a report about a cardiac arrest. However, while law enforcement sources have confirmed that a large quantity of “unknown pills” were found near Burrell’s body, they are still investigating her death.
Backstory: Food Network Star Anne Burrell Found Dead At 55 – Sad Details Emerge
Burrell’s Private Pain
Burrell was known as a hugely positive figure on the Food Network. Indeed, she was an exuberant personality who constantly radiated joy. Behind the scenes, however, she may have been hiding some private pain from the world. This was revealed by her friend Duff Goldman, whose Baltimore bakery Charm City Cakes was previously featured on the Food Network.
“I’ve written and re-written this post so many times in the past 24 hours and I just don’t know what to say,” Goldman wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of himself with Burrell.
“Anne and I became friends in probably 2006,” he continued. “She was going through some stuff and I had heard that she was feeling it so on a trip to NYC from Baltimore I had made her a cake that said ‘Don’t let the [expletives] win.’ She never did.”
Goldman did not elaborate any further on the nature of Burrell’s private pain. Later in his post, he admitted that he and Burrell “drifted” apart over the years.
“Anne and I always had a spirited and somewhat acerbic back and forth,” he wrote. “I really never knew why our paths drifted but I always hoped that wherever she was, Anne was doing well and was finding some happiness.”
“Life is tough, and we have to be tough to get through it,” Goldman added. “Anne was as tough as they come, but when you got past the armor there was a depth of compassion and kindness that was absolutely beautiful.”
Burrell’s Death Was ‘So Sudden And Shocking’
This comes after another of Burrell’s friends, chef Elizabeth Falkner, spoke out about her death. She revealed that she’d last seen Burrell at a dinner on June 9, eight days before her passing.
“I think Anne looks like she’s in pretty decent shape these days, so it’s kind of surprising to me,” Falkner admitted.
Falkner went on to say that she found Burrell’s death to be “so sudden and shocking.”
“I know it is very personal to me what happened, and I can’t believe somebody even younger than me has just passed away. It’s close to home for all of us,” Falkner lamented. “The culinary family is like family, so this hurts a lot of us. We just all feel it.”
Burrell’s History
Burrell got her start as a teacher at the Institute of Culinary Education in the early 2000s. She would go on to become a Food Network star. Indeed, she appeared on shows like Iron Chef America, Chef Wanted, Chopped and Worst Cooks in America. Most recently, Burrell was featured on the competition series House of Knives in March of 2025.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning,” the Food Network said in a statement posted to Instagram. “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. Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”
Burrell is survived by Claxton and his son Javier from a previous marriage. She is also survived by her mother, two siblings, two nieces, and a nephew.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” Burrell’s family said in a statement. “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.”
The investigation into Burrell’s death remains ongoing at this time. We will update you further as this story develops. For now, please join us in saying a prayer for Burrell’s family and friends during this tragic time.
More About:Celebrity News