Anne Burrell’s Food Network co-star Melba Wilson has spoken out about her death, legacy, and their last conversation which came just a week before her death.
Burrell, best known for hosting the Worst Cooks in America show and the Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, was found unconscious in her New York home’s shower early on Tuesday morning by her husband Stuart Claxton, it is reported.
She was later pronounced dead when the emergency services arrived.
Her cause of death has not been confirmed, but according to the US outlet and the Daily Mail a rep from the NYC Fire Department said the incident was reported to them as a cardiac arrest.
While Burrell has been remembered as a ‘beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend’ in a heartbreaking statement from her family, her industry friends are also mourning.
‘This is a tough time for so many of us that knew Anne and that loved her. It was totally unexpected. So to hear yesterday that she’s no longer with us is devastating,’ New York City restauranteur Melba told TMZ.
Opening up about her last conversation with Burrell, which came a week before her death, Melba explained: ‘It was fine. We talked about karaoke. We loved karaoke. Anne loved games, she loved backgammon. We always went out to dinner, and did karaoke.’
She continued: ‘It’s just shocking. It’s unbelievable to know that someone so vibrant and full of life is no longer with us.
‘[Burrell] was at my birthday party a month and a half ago dancing; she loved to dance. Any type of music. Her and her husband Stuart were there and had an amazing time.’
Asked whether Burrell has mentioned being sick to Melba, the Food Network star explained that she ‘never mentioned anything’ about that, which is why her death was ‘such a shock’.
Melba also described Burrell as being able to light up any room, and said her legacy was laughter.
‘Her legacy is laughter. Anne always laughed. She always wanted to teach. She’s a fierce competitor,’ Melba shared.
‘The food industry is full of men, and Anne would go toe-to-toe with the best of them. She always wanted to win. She was always very loving, very giving.’
Burrell’s family shared a statement announcing her death.
‘Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,’ they said.
‘Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.’
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