Beloved Food Network star Anne Burrell has died aged 55.
The TV chef – who became synonymous with her trademark spiky platinum hair – passed away on Tuesday morning at her home in Brooklyn, New York.
‘Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,’ her family said in a statement obtained by People.
‘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.’
She is survived by husband Stuart Claxton, whom she wed in October 2021 in an autumn-themed ceremony and reception in her hometown of Cazenovia, New York.
Beloved Food Network star Anne Burrell has died aged 55
Law enforcement told People that officers from NYPD’s 76th Precinct responded to a call about ‘an unconscious and unresponsive 55-year-old female’ at 7:50 a.m. EST on Tuesday.
Once Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived, they ‘pronounced [Burrell] deceased on scene.’
Burrell’s body will be autopsied by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, who will make the official determination about cause of death.
While cops did not name Burrell as the deceased in their statement, PEOPLE confirmed via an online search that the star’s address matches the address that the police provided.
Heartbroken fans have already flooded to leave comments on her most recent Instagram post that was shared just four days ago.
‘This can’t be true. Chef Anne you were vivacious, hilarious, full of life and reminded me of my Mom. I’m so, so sorry. Rest with the Angels in Heaven and cook up a storm for us,’ one wrote.
‘Prayers for your family. This feels so unexpected!
‘You were always one of our all time favorite chefs and seemed like a great person! I’m sure you’ll be missed by many!’ someone else shared.
‘RIP ANNE! I can’t believe this! We lost a good one!’ one wrote.
‘I was such a fan of you. I had been watching Worst Cooks for YEARS and just recently started watching newer seasons.
‘I am so sad. May you rest in peace,’ another penned.
The TV chef – who became synonymous with her trademark spiky platinum hair – passed away on Tuesday morning at her home in Brooklyn, New York
‘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 developed a passion for cooking at a young age, inspired by her mother’s home-cooked meals and by watching food icon Julia Child on television.
After earning a degree in English and Communications from Canisius College in Buffalo in 1991, she followed her culinary dreams and enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, graduating in 1996.
She worked at a whole host of New York City hotspots including Felidia and Savoy in Soho, where she honed her craft in Mediterranean cuisine.
She was later thrust into the spotlight and became best known as the longtime host of Worst Cooks in America.
The show, which ran for 28 seasons, saw celebrated chefs mentor amateur cooks in an attempt to transform them from rookies to kitchen experts.
Elsewhere, she appeared on Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and most recently, competition series House of Knives – which premiered in March this year.
The famed chef also penned two of her own cookbooks – Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire & Empower.
DailyMail.com has contacted Anne’s reps for further comment.