The culinary world is in shock after the sudden and unexpected passing of celebrity chef Anne Burrell at just 55 years old. Known for her signature spiky blond hair and her vibrant presence on the Food Network, Burrell was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home on the morning of June 17, 2025. Paramedics were unable to revive her, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause of death.
Burrell leaves behind her husband, Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, sister Jane, brother Ben, and her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas. In a heartfelt statement, her family shared,
“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.”
Even in her final days, Burrell remained her vibrant self, sharing joyful moments with fans. Just five days before her passing, she posted a lighthearted Instagram post about spotting a local figure in Brooklyn, writing,
“I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl 💚💚💚.”
In one of her last in-depth interviews this past April with TastingTable, she reflected on her deeply personal connection to cooking:
“I truly in my heart feel that your food knows how you’re feeling when you cook it and it reacts accordingly.”
Throughout her career, Burrell made cooking accessible and joyful. Her work on Worst Cooks in America epitomized her mission: to help beginners gain confidence by embracing mistakes as learning opportunities. She urged home cooks to stay organized, prepare ingredients ahead, read recipes thoroughly, and taste constantly to perfect their dishes.
“Find a recipe, read several recipes, and pick out the one you feel most comfortable with,”
she advised, always emphasizing preparation as the secret to stress-free cooking.
Her candid approach extended to her interactions with fans. When asked on Instagram why she hadn’t been appearing on Worst Cooks in America, she simply replied,
“Honestly I don’t know. 🤷🏼♀️😑❤️.”
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in 1996, Burrell built an impressive resume, hosting shows such as Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, All-Star Best Thing I Ever Ate, and appearing on Iron Chef America. Off-screen, she dedicated time to charitable organizations like the Garden of Dreams Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and City Harvest’s Food Council.
Burrell also found deep joy in her personal life. She met her husband Stuart Claxton on Bumble in 2018, got engaged during quarantine in 2020, and married in October 2021 at Windridge Estates Redbarn 20. In a 2023 interview with People, Burrell shared,
“I love being married. We’re together all the time because Stuart works from home. It’s the being together all the time, but it’s also the adventure together.”
The couple settled into married life in Brooklyn, creating a home filled with love, shared meals, and simple joys. They dreamed of traveling together, enjoying karaoke nights, and embracing everyday adventures.
“I’m looking forward to taking a trip — just the two of us,”
Anne had said, looking ahead to the future.
But while the culinary world grieves Anne Burrell, the entertainment community is also mourning another sudden loss. Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, known for his role in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch, has also passed away.
Bell’s sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, shared the heartbreaking news in an emotional Facebook post on June 16, writing,
“It is with a heavy heart I share that my sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant and handsome little brother David H. K. Bell will spend today in the company of our Heavenly Father.”
Hawaii police confirmed Bell passed away on June 12 at 2:26 p.m. Though no foul play is suspected, a coroner’s inquest and autopsy have been scheduled.
Bell, 46, recently appeared as the Big Hawaiian Dude in Lilo & Stitch, a nod to the Ice Cream Man from the original animated film. Just weeks earlier, he had shared behind-the-scenes footage from his audition and the movie set. He celebrated the film’s premiere with his family in Kapolei, watching fans dressed in Lilo & Stitch gear. Jalene recalled the joy they shared that night.
Beyond his breakout role, Bell appeared in Hawaii Five-O, The Wrecking Crew, and Magnum P.I. Off-screen, he worked at Kona Airport and proudly served as the voice behind its public announcements.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Bell’s roots ran deep. His sister described how their father’s fluency in Hawaiian culture and language helped shape David’s unique voice—a perfect blend of English, Pidgin, and native Hawaiian knowledge.
Though she met him for the first time at her high school graduation, Jalene described him as a brother who quickly became a loving and supportive figure in her life.
“While I didn’t grow up with a Father, David gave me all the unconditional love I could possibly ask for,”
she wrote.
David was passionate about his family, his nieces, and grandnephew, organizing countless family activities and embracing his role as a gentle giant full of aloha. He loved acting, voiceover work, traveling with his dog Brutus, and working as an ambassador for Kona Brew.
As family, friends, and fans pay tribute, David Bell is remembered not only for his blossoming acting career but for his vibrant spirit, deep family ties, and passion for sharing his Hawaiian roots. Both his and Anne Burrell’s sudden passings have left profound voids in the hearts of those who knew and loved them—and in the communities they so deeply touched.
