Celebrity chef and ‘Food Network’ star Anne Burrell dies at 55

Celebrity chef and beloved Food Network personality Anne Burrell has passed away at the age of 55.

Reports indicate that Burrell died on Tuesday morning, June 17, at her residence in Brooklyn, New York. Emergency services reportedly responded to a call around 7:50 am, finding her unconscious and unresponsive. Authorities pronounced her dead at the scene.

Known for her signature spiky blonde hair, infectious energy, and fearless approach to cooking, Burrell became a recognizable figure in the culinary world through her decades-long presence on television.

Her television journey began over twenty years ago as a sous chef for Mario Batali on Iron Chef America, where she quickly became a fan favorite. She later hosted the Emmy-nominated series Secrets of a Restaurant Chef starting in 2008, and took on her most iconic role as a mentor guiding amateur cooks on Worst Cooks in America. Her most recent appearance was on the competition show House of Knives, which premiered on Food Network in March.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE magazine, her family fondly remembered her as a cherished wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend, adding that "Her smile lit up every room she entered." They noted that "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."

Born in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell cultivated a passion for cooking from a young age, drawing inspiration from her mother's cooking and the legendary Julia Child. She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in 2021, and her stepson, Javier.