Celebrity chef Anne Burrell's heartbreaking final hours revealed before sudden death aged 55

Police have confirmed that celebrity chef Anne Burrell passed away at aged 55 and details of her final hours have been released.

Anne Burrell, from New York, was most known for her shows on the Food Network and hosted popular hits like Worst Cooks in America and Secrets of a Restaurant Chef.

New York Police Department officers found Burrell ‘unconscious and unresponsive’ and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A person had called for emergency services at 7:50 a.m. concerned that she had suffered cardiac arrest, according to a 911 call report provided to PEOPLE by the New York City Fire Department.

Sources close to Burrell have said hours before her death she had been in the midst of her newest venture, adding to the shock of her passing.

The chef had recently taken up improv comedy and had performed at The Second City venue in Brooklyn as part of the finale of her course of improv classes.

Burrell was most known for her shows on the Food Network (Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)

Speaking to a PEOPLE, a source close to the chef said: “Everyone said she was so great last night and so happy.”

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

Burrell first announced that she was taking ‘Improv for Actors' back in March 19 and seemed excited for the new challenge.

Writing on an Instagram post she said: “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!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl.”

The improv comedy venue where Burrell performed also issued a condolence message (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not yet confirmed Burrell’s official cause of death.

Burrell’s family confirmed her unexpected death in a statement on Tuesday and tributes on social media have begun to flood in.

The venue Burrell performed at was one of those who issued a tribute to the chef, offering its condolences and praising Burrell for her joyful character.

The statement read: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and student, Anne Burrell.

"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.”