Anne Burrell’s sudden death has stunned the world and one of her co-stars has spoken about the last conversation they had together.
Police confirmed that Burrell was found at her home in Brooklyn on June 17.
The 55-year-old, from New York, was well known as a celebrity chef and appeared on multiple Food Network shows over the years, most notably hosting Worst Cooks in America and Secrets of a Restaurant Chef.
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The New York Police Department found Burrell ‘unconscious and unresponsive’ and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
After her death was announced, tributes for Burrell began flooding in on social media, some from avid watchers and others from people who knew her well.
Restaurateur and Food Network co-star Melba Wilson was a close friend of the chef and has opened up about their final conversation together.
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Speaking to TMZ, Wilson recalled talking with Burrell a week before her death. She said: “Anne never mentioned anything about being sick.
“That's why this is such a shock to us. She was healthy. She was vibrant. She was beautiful.
“If you saw Anne, Anne could light up any room she walked into. So to know that she went to sleep and just didn't wake up is heartbreaking.
“55, this is not supposed to happen to a healthy 55-year-old. It's unbelievable to know that someone so vibrant and full of life is no longer with us.”
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She also spoke about them being together at her birthday party a few weeks before Burrell's passing and how wonderful a time it was.
Wilson added: “Anne was fine. We talked about karaoke because we love to do karaoke.
“I think this is a tough time for so many of us that knew Anne and that loved her... it was totally unexpected.”
Writing on Instagram, Wilson also penned a sweet and heartfelt message to Burrell. She also shared multiple sweet pictures of the pair together.
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Wilson wrote: “My heart is shattered… Anne’s presence was pure sunshine - her laugh filled every room and her love touched every soul.
“From our backgammon matches and karaoke nights to @nyrangers games and never quiet dinners, every moment with her was a gift. She was the most generous spirit, always giving to others, whether mentoring culinary students or helping families during the holidays.
“My deepest love goes out to her mother Marlene, sister Jane, husband Stuart, stepson Javier, her beloved fur babies, extended family, dear friends, and the countless lives she touched.
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“Rest peacefully, my dear friend. @chefanneburrell - You will be profoundly missed.”
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not yet confirmed Burrell’s official cause of death.
Gerrard Kaonga