Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell Passed Away On Tuesday (June 17)

Anne Burrell, who was best known for being the longtime host of the Food Network Show Worst Cooks In America, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 17, according to a representative.

Her family announced the news in a statement to PEOPLE, saying, “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. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”

TMZ reported that a 911 call was made on Tuesday morning after Burrell was found unresponsive. Paramedics were not able to revive her, and she was declared deceased in her home.

Fans, friends, and colleagues were shocked by the announcement of her passing, as she was only 55 years old and to anyone’s knowledge, did not have any health issues.

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner will be performing an autopsy and will announce the cause of death once they find it.

Burrell is survived by Stuart Claxton, her husband of four years, her step-son, Javier, and children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.

Anne Was Living Her Life To The Fullest Up Until Her Death

Burrell was not asked back to host the most current season of Worst Cooks In America. She admitted on social media she did not know why she was not returning to the show she hosted for 27 seasons since 2010.

Although she wasn’t working on the show anymore, she was still living life to the fullest and attending events for friends in the culinary world up until her untimely death.

Just a few days before she passed away, she was at New York’s SoHo House for a culinary event put on by her fellow celebrity chef Elizabeth Falkner.

In the last few months, Burrell had also started taking improv classes at The Second City Training Center.

In an Instagram post on March 19, Burrell said, “Ok… sooooooo a little update into the ‘Anne Burrell’ world. I know I have been kinda quiet of late. BUT I am taking “Improv for Actors” at @secondcitynyc !!! Can I just say it is SO much fun and I am learning so SO much!!! It really helps me get out of my shell… as if I needed that!!”

The class went so well that she took another one! And on June 9, she revealed that the class would be putting on a show on Monday, June 16 at 9 PM.

According to several Instagram users and a source who spoke with PEOPLE, Burrell did in fact perform at the show on Monday night (June 16), just a few hours before she was found unresponsive in her home.

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

Another source who was with her at the improv show said, “[Anne] was in great spirits last night during and after the improv show. Typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast.”

The source says that everyone is “shocked and confused” about her sudden passing, since she was totally fine the evening before, performing on stage less than 10 hours before passing away.

Second City posted a tribute to Burrell on social media following her passing.

“We’re are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and student, Anne Burrell,” they wrote. “She will be missed and remembered as a vibrant part of our Second City New York Training Center community. Anne brought joy, boldness, and an unwavering yes, and spirit. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her presence unforgettable. Our thoughts go out to Anne’s family and loved ones.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved Anne Burrell.