What happened to Anne Burrell? Potential cause of death emerges after Food Network star’s sudden passing

Renowned celebrity chef Anne Burrell passed away on the morning of June 17, 2025. At the age of 55, she took her last breath at her Brooklyn apartment.

In a June 19 conversation with Newsweek, a New York City Fire Department spokesperson revealed that she likely suffered a cardiac arrest.

Burrell is survived by her husband, stepson, mother, sister, and brother. As People confirmed, her family released a statement expressing their love. They wrote:

"Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered."

Their statement added:

"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."

---

Everything we know about Anne Burrell's death

Newsweek reported that authorities received an emergency call on June 17 at around 7:50 AM. Someone dialed 911 and stated that a probable cardiac arrest was detected at 505 Court Street.

On June 18, a spokesperson from the New York City Police Department spoke with Newsweek. During the conversation, they recalled the 911 call and noted that

"officers responded to a 911 call of an aided female inside 505 Court Street, within the confines of the 76 Precinct. Upon arrival, officers observed a 55-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded and pronounced the female deceased at the scene."

The spokesperson further explained:

"The chief medical examiner will determine the cause of death and the investigation remains ongoing at this time. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending proper family notification."

According to the Daily Mail, the Chief Medical Examiner's Office is investigating the case of Anne Burrell's sudden death. Her friend and chef, Elizabeth Falkner, had an exclusive conversation with the outlet recently.

During the interview, she recalled meeting the Worst Cooks in America co-host on June 9 in New York City. This dinner was the last time she met her dear friend. Recounting that night, Elizabeth shared that Burrell was in "pretty decent shape."

She added:

"I think Anne looks like she's in pretty decent shape these days, so it's kind of surprising to me."

Admitting to finding the disheartening news "so sudden and shocking," Falkner continued:

"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. The culinary family is like family, so this hurts a lot of us. We just all feel it."

During the conversation, she also elaborated on having a final dinner with Anne on June 9. Elizabeth hosted an intimate dinner at Soho House and invited Burrell's husband, Stuart Claxton, too.

Looking back at the "fun night," Elizabeth Falkner expressed:

"I've seen [her] over all these years, not just on television competitions and shows, but at different parties and events and stuff, and we've always been friendly. But just in the last month we've been texting. I said, 'Come to my dinner at Soho House, it'll be great to see you.' And she brought her husband and we just had such a good time. It was just so sweet. So this is just really so sudden and shocking."

The next day, after the dinner at Soho House, Anne Burrell informed her friend via text about having a wonderful time. Remembering her message, Elizabeth also shared:

"She's like, 'Thanks so much for inviting us. It was a truly lovely time and very delicious. Please send me some pics so I can post.' And I said, 'It was so great to see you, Anne.'"

Falkner confessed that she and Burrell agreed to have conversations more often. She noted:

"We were like, 'Let's just make a point of talking and texting more often.'"

She admitted feeling "bummed," thinking that her friendship with the late chef "got cut really short, really fast."

---

Follow SoapCentral for more updates.