Food Network Star Shares Insight Into Anne Burrell’s Health Before Her ‘Devastating’ Death

Food Network personality Melba Wilson says Anne Burrell wasn’t battling any illnesses — that she knew of — before she unexpectedly passed.

On Wednesday, June 18, the restaurateur, 50, spoke to TMZ about the beloved chef’s tragic death, including her health. The Worst Cooks in America host died in her Brooklyn home at 55 years old on Tuesday, June 17. While her cause of death has yet to be confirmed, a rep for the New York City Fire Department told Page Six that the person who called 911 said Burrell went into “cardiac arrest” and was “DOA [dead on arrival].”

“Anne never mentioned anything about being sick. That’s why this is such a shock to us,” Wilson told the outlet. “She was healthy, she was vibrant, she was beautiful.”

The Beat Bobby Flay alum explained when she talked to Burrell last week, she seemed totally “fine,” and they discussed karaoke on the phone, so “to hear yesterday that she’s no longer with us is devastating.”

“It’s shocking. It’s unbelievable to know someone so vibrant and so full of life is no longer with us,” Wilson added.

Wilson also said Burrell attended her birthday party about a month and a half ago with her husband, Stuart Claxton, and was dancing the night away — no signs of any health challenges.

“Anne could light up any room she walked into,” added Wilson. “This is not supposed to happen to a healthy 55-year-old.”

In the days leading up to her death, Burrell was out and about in New York City. Per Instagram, she was at Soho House on Wednesday, June 11, for fellow Food Network star Elizabeth Falkner’s “One Night Only” dinner and met the Green Lady of Brooklyn (real name Elizabeth Eaton Rosenthal) that week. The night before she passed, Burrell performed in a show with her improv class from The Second City New York in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

“Everyone said she was so great last night and so happy,” a source told People.

A second insider who was with her at the performance told the outlet she “was in great spirits… during and after the improv show. Typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast.”

Heartfelt tributes from Food Network stars have poured in on social media since her death was announced.

Bobby Flay took to his Instagram Story on Wednesday to share a sweet snap of Burrell snuggling two cats.

“Worst Cooks in America was the funnest show on TV. All of your co-hosts (me included) were just alongside for the Anne Burrell ride,” Flay, 60, wrote. “The greatest gift I got from AB was turning me on to a world of Maine Coon Cats (including Nacho)… a gift that I’ll have forever.”

Burrell is survived by her husband and his son, Javier, her mother, Marlene, and sister, Jane.