TV celebrity chef dies suddenly as tragic final post emerges

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4 hours ago

TV celebrity chef dies suddenly as tragic final post emerges
The star's family confirming her passing in an emotional statement and her last social media post has also been revealed
Food Network Star Anne Burrell has died aged 55
(Image: Getty Images for NYCWFF )
The final social media post of Food Network star Anne Burrell has been revealed following her sudden death at the age of 55. The much-loved TV chef, known for hosting Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and co-hosting Worst Cooks in America, died on Tuesday, June 17 morning at her apartment in Brooklyn, New York.
Police were called to an 'unconscious and unresponsive 55-year-old female' at 7.50am, according to PEOPLE. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived at the property and pronounced Burrell dead at the scene.
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Burrell's family confirmed her unexpected passing in a heartfelt statement but did not disclose a cause of death. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
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An autopsy will be carried out by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, who will officially determine the cause of death.
Although police did not name Burrell in their statement, PEOPLE confirmed that the address provided matched that of the star.
Just four days before her death at her New York home, Burrell shared what would be her last post with her 673,000 Instagram followers.
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The star posted a selfie with The Green Lady - a local icon in Brooklyn known for her green hair and all-green attire - whom she'd encountered on the street.
Burrell was all smiles next to The Green Lady, real name is Elizabeth Eaton Rosenthal, as she described the 'lovely' encounter in the caption of the post.
She wrote: "I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighbourhood today!! I'm not going to fib- I have been keeping an eye out for her. I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!"
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Anne Burrell's last post to Instagram
(Image: Instagram )
Burrell's family confirmed her passing in a statement given to PEOPLE on Tuesday afternoon.
They said: "Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend - her smile lit up every room she entered. Anne's light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world.
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"Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.."
She leaves behind her husband Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021 in her hometown of Cazenovia, New York.
Heartbroken fans have left comments under her last social media post, sharing their devastation and shock.
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One wrote: "This can't be true. Chef Anne you were vivacious, hilarious, full of life and reminded me of my mum. I'm so, so sorry. Rest with the Angels in Heaven and cook up a storm for us."
Another shared: "Prayers for your family. This feels so unexpected! You were always one of our all time favourite chefs and seemed like a great person! I'm sure you'll be missed by many!"
Many people shared their grief over the loss of Anne
(Image: Variety via Getty Images )
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Model Gigi Hadid, who sat alongside Burrell on the cooking competition series Beat Bobby Flay, was amongst a number of celebrities who shared their grief.
She wrote in an Instagram story post: "I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of the Great Anne Burrell. As a long time fan, getting to share this day with her was a dream come true. Beat Bobby. Hang. Eat.
"I wish we could have done it again. She was awesome. Rest in Peace Legend."
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Burrell's Food Network co-star Sandra Lee gave a heartfelt statement to Us Weekly in which she recalled her first time meeting Burrell.
She said: "Anne Burrell was smart. She was sweet. She was funny. She was larger than life.
"She lived it completely, unabashedly and uniquely. I'll never forget the first time I met her in a casino in Atlantic City, she boldly approached me, introducing herself with her girl gang - she was so endearing, so so funny and delightful.
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"Anne was one of a kind. May she rest in glory - another culinary royalty in heaven guiding all of our recipes now. Love u always Anne - Sandy!"
Burrell, known for her signature spiky platinum hair, nurtured a passion for cooking from a young age, inspired by her mother's home-cooked meals and by watching culinary icon Julia Child on television.
After graduating with a degree in English and Communications from Canisius College in Buffalo in 1991, she pursued her passion for cooking by enrolling at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, graduating in 1996.
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Burrell honed her culinary skills at several renowned New York City restaurants including Felidia and Savoy in Soho, where she specialised in Mediterranean cuisine.
She later gained fame as the long-standing host of Worst Cooks in America. The popular show, which spanned 28 seasons, featured celebrated chefs mentoring novice cooks with the aim of transforming them into proficient home chefs.
In addition to this, Burrell has appeared on Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and most recently, the competition series House of Knives, which debuted in March this year. The acclaimed chef has also authored two cookbooks - Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire & Empower.
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