Yesterday, we reported that the Food Network star Anne Burrell died suddenly on Tuesday morning at the age of 55. Now, Burrell’s close friend and fellow culinary star Rachael Ray is speaking out to pay an emotional tribute to her.
Burrell Passes Away Suddenly
Sources with the NYPD told TMZ that Burrell was found dead by her husband Stuart Claxton on Tuesday morning. He discovered her body on the shower floor in the bathroom of their home in Brooklyn, New York. Claxton had last seen Burrell alive at around 1am that morning.
Claxton immediately called 911 and was told to perform CPR on Burrell. However, her body was already cold by then. Police arrived at around 7:50am, and they pronounced Burrell dead at the scene. Burrell’s death came as a shock, given the fact that she had just performed at an improv show the night before. Indeed, she seemed to be healthy and in good spirits to everyone at this show.
No official cause of death has been given at this time. However, a rep for the New York City Fire Department claimed to Page Six that Burrell’ went into “cardiac arrest” and was “DOA [dead on arrival].”
An investigation into Burrell’s death remains ongoing.
Related: Food Network Star Anne Burrell Found Dead At 55 – Sad Details Emerge
Ray’s Emotional Tribute To Burrell
The day after Burrell’s passing, Ray took to Instagram to pay tribute to her close friend and colleague.
“The news about Anne has truly shaken us. John and I are heartbroken,” began Ray, 56, referring to her own husband John Cusimano. “I can’t quite believe it — such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon.”
“Anne was a rockstar!” she continued. “I came to know her well through multiple seasons of Worst Cooks on Food Network, and she became so much more than a colleague.”
Ray went on to talk about taking part in Burrell’s wedding to Claxton in October of 2021. Indeed, she included a photo of herself with Burrell on her wedding day.
“Anne honored me by asking me to be her bridesmaid, something I’d only done once before for my sister,” Ray wrote. “Despite being surrounded by incredible chefs, she never once made me feel self-conscious about not being one — she always treated me as one of the gang. When we hosted Worst Cooks together, we had the most incredible laughs. She even cooked for me and my guests at my wedding anniversary in Italy.”
“I’ll never forget walking into our dressing rooms at Food Network studios early in the morning and hearing her blasting the song of the moment down the hall,” she added. “Anne had great taste in music and in life — she was a force in the kitchen, in any room, in every life she touched.”
“I’ll miss her friendship deeply,” Ray concluded. “Everyone whose life she touched will miss her. Sending love to Stuart and everyone who knew and loved Anne. We’ve lost someone truly special.”
Check out Ray’s full post below.
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 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’s family has also paid tribute to her in the wake of her tragic passing.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her 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.”
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.
Burrell is additionally survived by Ray and countless other close friends and colleagues. Please join us in saying a prayer for Burrell’s family and friends during this incredibly tragic time.
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