Anne Burrell’s Family and Friends Gather at Wake: Kelly Bensimon, More

Anne Burrell’s friends and family members gathered for the late Food Network star’s wake after her death at age 55.

The somber event took place in New York City on Friday, June 20, per photos obtained by Page Six. Burrell’s husband, Stuart Claxton, was in attendance, along with celebrity chefs Scott Conant, Amanda Freitag and Marc Murphy. The Real Housewives of New York City alum Kelly Bensimon and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’s Carson Kressley also paid their respects.

Burrell’s family confirmed her death to Us Weekly on Tuesday, June 17. The New York Police Department later confirmed that the chef had been pronounced dead at the scene after being discovered “unresponsive” in her apartment. A cause of death is not yet known.

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” Burrell’s family said in a statement. “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.”

Burrell is survived by Claxton and stepson Javier, as well as her mother, Marlene, and sister, Jane.

After news broke of Burrell’s death, the culinary community came together to pay tribute and offer their condolences.

“We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning,” Food Network wrote in a Tuesday statement. “Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent — teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring. Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”

Rachael Ray, who was a close friend of Burrell’s, honored her late friend and shared that the news had “truly shaken” her.

“I can’t quite believe it — such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon,” Ray, 56, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, June 18. “Anne was a rockstar! I came to know her well through multiple seasons of Worst Cooks on Food Network, and she became so much more than a colleague.”

Burrell was best known for cohosting Worst Cooks in America. The chef did not return for the cooking competition’s latest season and had started taking acting classes. One day before her death, Burrell took the stage for the first time for her improv comedy show at The Second City NYC in Brooklyn.