Anne Burrell pal says she was 'vibrant' and 'healthy' days before her death at 55: 'Totally unexpected'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Pals of New York celebrity chef Anne Burrell say her death was "totally unexpected". The Food Network star, who was 55, reportedly appeared in good health just days before her "unexpected" death.
Anne Burrell 'never mentioned anything about being sick'
Burrell was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home by her husband on Tuesday, June 17. New details have now raised many questions as investigators discovered a “large quantity” of unknown pills near the scene, TMZ reported on 19 June.
New York restaurateur and Food Network personality Melba Wilson told TMZ that Burrell’s death was “totally unexpected.”
She revealed they had spoken only a week before the tragedy. “Anne was fine,” Wilson recalled about their conversation, where they chatted about karaoke and board games.
She added, “To wake up yesterday, or to hear yesterday, that she’s no longer with us is devastating. It’s shocking. It’s unbelievable to know that someone so full of life is no longer with us,” Wilson, who owns Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem, said according to US Weekly.
Wilson said Burrell and her husband, Stuart Claxton, also attended her birthday party just six weeks ago, where Burrell was “dancing” and having “an amazing time.”
Anne Burrell's husband found her unconscious on shower floor
According to TMZ, Claxton discovered Burrell lying unresponsive on the floor of their bathroom shower. He called 911 immediately. Police were alerted to the emergency at “approximately 7:50 am.”
A representative from the New York City Fire Department confirmed that a 911 caller reported Burrell had gone into “cardiac arrest” and was “DOA [dead on arrival].”
Wilson, who has appeared as a guest judge on 'Worst Cooks in America' and 'Beat Bobby Flay', said, “Anne never mentioned anything about being sick. That’s why this is such a big shock to us. She was healthy. She was vibrant. She was beautiful.”
Family says Anne Burrell’s 'light radiated far beyond those she knew'
In a statement to Us Weekly, Burrell’s family paid tribute to the chef’s joyful personality and legacy.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” the family said.
“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,” the statement continued.
Burrell is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, and her sister Jane.
