It’s truly heartbreaking to hear about the sudden loss of Anne Burrell. News emerged that the beloved TV chef was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home and, despite efforts, couldn’t be revived. She was just 55 years young.

Even more devastating are the accounts that suggest Anne was in high spirits the night before her untimely passing. She participated in an improv comedy show at The Second City in Brooklyn, capping off her improv class with what was undoubtedly a joyful performance.

Friends who joined her at the show remember her as being her typical lively self. “Everyone said she was so great last night and so happy,” shared a source. Another friend confirmed, “She was in great spirits last night during and after the improv show. Typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast.”

The New York City Police Department confirmed the sad news, sharing that Anne was found “unconscious and unresponsive” and was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene.

In new revelations, Burrell’s husband, Stuart Claxton, was the one who discovered her, lying on the bathroom floor. Reports suggest he last saw his wife around 1 a.m. and found her in the morning, unresponsive.

It’s said that Stuart reached out to 911 and received instructions to perform CPR. Unfortunately, Anne was reportedly already cold by then, with responders citing a suspected cardiac arrest.

In a heartfelt statement, Anne’s family shared: “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered.” They lovingly added that her warmth and light touched countless souls globally, and though she’s physically departed, her enduring spirit remains.

Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Anne’s passion for cooking was ignited by her mother’s delicious homemade meals and Julia Child’s influence. Her mission was to make cooking a joyful pursuit instead of a daunting task. Shows like Worst Cooks in America exemplified this vision, with Anne encouraging beginners to embrace mistakes as part of the journey to gaining confidence and skills in the kitchen.

Anne emphasized proper preparation and discipline: “Find a recipe for it. Don’t just try to wing it… then read it from beginning to end before you start cooking,” she wisely advised.

Anne and Stuart met on Bumble in 2018, got engaged in April 2020 during quarantine, and sealed their love in October 2021 surrounded by family and friends from the Food Network world.

Recalling her marriage in an interview with People in 2023, Anne expressed her joy, “I have to say, I love being married. We’re together all the time because Stuart works from home. It’s the being together all the time, but it’s also the adventure together.” Stuart fondly chimed in, saying, “It’s been wonderful, to say the least.”

The couple enjoyed setting up their renovated Brooklyn apartment, embarking on a new life journey together, with Anne sharing, “We’ve been getting the marital home set up. And it’s just been so fun to see that all come together.”

Rest in peace, Anne Burrell. Your legacy of love, laughter, and culinary delight lives on.