Friend Reveals Anne Burrell Was ‘Vibrant’ and ‘Healthy’ Before Her Passing

New York City restaurateur and Food Network personality Melba Wilson expressed that the late Anne Burrell appeared “healthy” and “vibrant” prior to her unexpected passing on Tuesday, June 17.

In an interview with TMZ, published on Thursday, June 19, Wilson shared that she had spoken with Burrell just a week earlier, describing her death as “totally unexpected.”

“Anne was fine,” Wilson recounted about their conversation, mentioning that they discussed karaoke and Burrell’s passion for board games.

“To wake up yesterday, or to hear yesterday, that she’s no longer with us is devastating,” added the owner of Melba’s Restaurant. “It’s shocking. It’s unbelievable to know that someone so full of life is no longer here.”

Wilson noted that Burrell and her husband, Stuart Claxton, attended her birthday celebration “a month and a half ago,” where the now-late host of Worst Cooks in America was “dancing” and “enjoying herself immensely.”

According to Wilson, the popular television chef was in good health before her passing.

“Anne never mentioned anything about feeling unwell. That’s why this is such a profound shock to us,” said the restaurateur. “She was healthy. She was vibrant. She was beautiful.”

Wilson has been a guest judge on several Food Network shows, including Worst Cooks in America, which Burrell hosted, and Beat Bobby Flay.

It was reported on Tuesday that Burrell had passed away at the age of 55. Her husband allegedly found her unresponsive on the bathroom floor of their Brooklyn, New York, home that morning.

According to TMZ, Burrell was “unconscious” when Claxton discovered her in the shower and called 911 for assistance. Authorities confirmed to Us Weekly that they were notified to the scene at “approximately 7:50 a.m.”

In a statement released Wednesday, a representative for the New York City Fire Department indicated that a 911 caller reported Burrell had gone into “cardiac arrest” and was “DOA [dead upon arrival].”

“Anne was a cherished wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile brightened every room she entered,” Burrell’s family remarked in a statement to Us on Tuesday. “Anne’s light touched millions across the globe. Even though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and endless love will remain eternal.”

In addition to her husband, Burrell is survived by her stepson, Javier, as well as her mother, Marlene, and sister, Jane.