Just hours before her untimely death, Anne Burrell was “in high spirits

The devastating truth of Anne Burrell’s passing is still weighing heavily on fans. New and poignant eyewitness reports from her last hours have now come to light. Early on Tuesday, June 17, beloved TV chef Anne Burrell was discovered dead in her Brooklyn, New York, home.

The TV personality was declared dead at the scene when police and rescue personnel discovered her “unconscious and unresponsive.” She was only fifty-five. Family and supporters are eagerly awaiting the findings of an autopsy that will be performed by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, as the cause of death has not yet been established.

According to reports, Burrell was unaware that a terrible event was imminent. The night before her death, the “Worst Cooks in America” star seemed to be in a good mood. According to Anne’s Instagram, the last performance of her improv class was an improv comedy show at The Second City in Brooklyn on Monday, June 16.

A source told People, “Everyone said she was so great last night and so happy.” “She was in great spirits last night during and after the improv show,” according to a second person who was present at the performance. Fun, gregarious Anne, having a great time. Everyone is still “shocked and confused,” the insider continued, because Anne appeared to be doing OK at the conclusion of the event.

It is evident from looking at Burrell’s social media posts in the weeks before her untimely death that she was content and full of hope. The Food Network star posted what would be her last Instagram picture just days before her untimely demise. The adored chef shared a picture of herself with Elizabeth Eaton Rosenthal, the Green Lady of Brooklyn, a well-known figure in New York City.

Burrell posted the happy picture with the comment, “I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!!” They were posing together on a Brooklyn street. I’ll be honest: I have been watching her closely. I might or might not have spent a minute following her down the street. She is so beautiful!

On Monday, June 9, a little more than a week before she passed away, she posted on Instagram that she was “having an ABSOLUTE blast” in her improv classes. Prior to that, she shared a selfie taken at The Second City venue and pictures of herself with some of her students to promote her forthcoming show on Monday, June 16.

On Wednesday, March 19, Burrell initially announced that she was enrolled in “Improv for Actors,” saying, “Can I just say it is SO much fun and I am learning so SO much!!!” As if I needed it, it truly helps me come out of my shell! #luckygirl #ilovewhatido

Then, on Monday, April 28, she joyfully shared, “I’m THRILLED to be back!!” as she revealed the program’s second term. Born in 1969, Anne Burrell began her career in television in the early 2000s after working as a teacher at the Institute of Culinary Education.

As the star of well-known programs like Iron Chef America, Chef Wanted, Chopped, and Worst Cooks in America, she soon gained recognition. She most recently made an appearance on the competitive series House of Knives in March 2025.

In addition to her work on television, Burrell was an accomplished writer. She released two cookbooks: Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower and Cook Like a Rock Star, which was a New York Times bestseller in 2011. Her siblings Jane and Ben, her mother Marlena, her husband Stuart Claxton, and his son Javier survive her.

In a touching statement following the devastating news of her death, Anne’s family said that she “was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered.” Millions of people worldwide were touched by Anne’s light, which radiated well beyond those she knew. Even though she is no longer with us, her spirit, kindness, and unending love endure.