A 9-1-1 call report may have revealed more details about the death of Food Network star Anne Burrell. According to a call provided to People by the New York City Fire Department, a person concerned they were suffering from cardiac arrest called 9-1-1 at 7:50 a.m. ET on Tuesday, June 17, the same day Burrell died at age 55. Though the call did not mention Burrell’s name, the address reportedly matched that of her residence. Burrell’s official cause of death has not been confirmed. News of the TV personality’s death broke on Tuesday after she was reportedly found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family said in a statement on Tuesday. “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.” Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, his son, Javier, and her children, Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas. Additionally, she is survived by her mother, Marlene, her sister, Jane, and her brother, Ben.
Burrell — known for her signature platinum-blonde hair — rose to fame with her Food Network series Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which premiered in 2008. She continued to appear on several of the network’s biggest shows, including Food Network Star, The Best Thing I Ever Ate, The Kitchen, and Beat Bobby Flay.
She also helped restaurants find the perfect executive chefs through her other solo series, Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, which debuted in 2012. Perhaps her most famous Food Network role was as the host of Worst Cooks in America, which premiered in 2010. After she was noticeably absent from Worst Cooks in America Celebrity Edition: Heroes Vs. Villains earlier this year, Burrell took to Instagram to share insight on her break from the show.
The beloved Food Network host, Anne Burrell, 55, was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn apartment on June 16, 2025, sparking concern over a likely cardiac arrest. According to the 9-1-1 call report and multiple family statements, first responders arrived around 7:50 a.m. after alarms were raised—and while the official cause of death awaits the medical examiner’s confirmation, early accounts point to a heart-related emergency
In this article, we’ll explore:
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What the 9‑1‑1 call revealed
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How Anne was found—and by whom
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Why cardiac arrest is suspected
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Reactions from friends, colleagues, and fans
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Anne Burrell’s legacy and career highlights
Let’s unpack the full picture behind this heartbreaking news.
The Moment the 9‑1‑1 Call Was Placed
What the Report Tells Us
The New York City Fire Department’s 9‑1‑1 log recorded a call at 7:50 a.m., reporting a suspected cardiac arrest at Anne’s home. The details match her Brooklyn address, leading authorities to respond swiftly—and tragically, Anne was pronounced dead shortly afterward
Who Made the Call?
Early media reports and TMZ suggest it was Anne’s husband, Stuart Claxton, who discovered her unresponsive in their shared bathroom and dialed emergency services . According to sources, Stuart last saw her late at night and returned in the early morning hours to find her unconscious .
Found Unresponsive in Bathroom—Timing, Context, and Response
A Matter of Hours
Stuart reportedly saw Anne around 1 a.m., but didn’t discover her in the bathroom until 6–7 hours later. By then, her body had already gone cold
Emergency Intervention
Stuart attempted CPR on Anne at the scene after first responders arrived. She was later pronounced dead by NYPD officers and EMS crews
Why Cardiac Arrest is the Leading Theory
What the Call Report Says
The Fire Department’s initial categorization of the emergency as a cardiac arrest adds weight to the possibility that Anne collapsed due to a heart condition—even though no official autopsy has confirmed this yet .
Official Cause Still Pending
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is conducting a full review. Until then, “suspected cardiac arrest” remains a working hypothesis .
Reactions and Tributes from the Culinary World
Colleagues Speak Out
Stars like Rachael Ray and Tyler Florence shared heartfelt tributes, highlighting Anne’s vivacious spirit and warmth. Ray—who affectionately called Anne a “rockstar”—expressed how deeply shaken she was by the sudden loss
Family Statement
Anne’s family released a moving tribute:
“Her smile lit up every room she entered… her light radiated far beyond those she knew… her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
Anne Burrell’s Culinary Legacy
From CIA Graduate to TV Icon
Anne graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996 and quickly rose through the ranks—working at Felidia and opening Centro Vinoteca before becoming a Food Network star
TV Shows That Made Her Famous
Anne hosted popular shows like “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef”, “Worst Cooks in America“, and appeared on Iron Chef America, Chopped, and more
Her Signature Style
Known for her fiery personality and approachable cooking style, Anne became a fan favorite—encouraging home cooks to find confidence in the kitchen
Remembering Anne Beyond the Kitchen
Advocating for Self-Presentation and Confidence
In a 2024 podcast with Rachael Ray, Anne highlighted the importance of dressing well and carrying yourself with intention. A small effort, she said, can “command respect”
Joyful Even Just Days Before
She performed an improv comedy set at The Second City in New York the previous night and was described as “in great spirits” by those in attendance
The Emotional Shock and Public Response
Suddenness Amplifies Grief
The sharp contrast between Anne’s high spirits the night before and her abrupt passing shocks fans—and reminds us of life’s fragility.
Social Media Outpouring
Fans, home cooks, and fellow chefs shared memories, recipes, and condolences. Almost every comment emphasizes her warmth, energy, and the personal connection she created.
What’s Next – The Autopsy and Final Cause of Death
Awaiting Medical Examiner’s Report
Full autopsy results and toxicology will clarify whether cardiac arrest was the cause—or if there were other factors involved.
Possible Outcomes
The report may confirm cardiac arrest, reveal an underlying condition, or pinpoint a different medical event.
Understanding Cardiac Arrest’s Silent Dangers
What Is Cardiac Arrest?
A sudden loss of heart function—causing collapse, unresponsiveness, and no breathing within seconds.
How to Respond
Immediate CPR and defibrillation can save lives, but timing is critical.
Why High-Profile Sudden Deaths Matter
Raising Awareness
When a public figure like Anne suffers a suspected cardiac arrest, it underscores the need for regular checkups—even for seemingly healthy individuals.
Emotional and Social Impact
Sudden celebrity deaths spark public mourning—and remind us to prioritize our own and loved ones’ health.
Conclusion
Anne Burrell’s sudden death has left a profound void in the culinary world and beyond. While the 9‑1‑1 report suggests a likely cardiac arrest, the full cause awaits confirmation from medical authorities. What’s clear is that Anne’s legacy—a blend of fiery passion, warmth, and encouragement—will continue to inspire. Her passing is a stark reminder of life’s fragility, urging us to cherish every moment and care deeply for our health and each other.
