Before her death, Anne Burrell was set to host a fundraiser in Syracuse, New York — but now the event will be paying tribute to her.
A local news outlet reported on Wednesday, June 25, that the annual culinary fundraiser for public broadcaster WCNY, Taste of Fame, was going to be cohosted by Anne, her sister, Jane Burrell, and their mom, Marlene Burrell. The event, which was scheduled for October, was going to be called “The Burrells of Central New York.” (Anne was born and raised in Cazenovia, New York.)
In light of Anne’s death, Taste of Fame announced that they would be adding a tribute to the fundraiser for her.
“The WCNY family is deeply saddened by the passing of Chef Anne Burrell,” WCNY president and CEO Mitch Gelman said in a statement to Syracuse.com on Wednesday. “She was a beloved friend, trusted partner, and culinary icon whose warmth, talent, and vibrant spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her.”
Gelman’s statement explained that in “honor of Anne’s life and her remarkable contributions to the culinary world, this year’s Taste of Fame event will include a special tribute celebrating her legacy.”
“WCNY is supporting her family as they mourn Anne’s passing, and will be working closely with family and friends to create a heartfelt and meaningful memorial as part of the program,” Gelman concluded his message, noting that they were working to include Anne’s “colleagues across the culinary community.”
The Food Network star, known for her time as a mentor on Worst Cooks in America, was found dead on June 17 in her Brooklyn home. She was 55.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family said in a statement to Us Weekly at the time. “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.”
A representative from the New York City Police Department later told Us that the celebrity chef was pronounced dead “at the scene” after authorities responded to a 911 call which led to the discovery of “an unconscious and unresponsive” female.
As tributes to Anne continued to pour in, The New York Times reported on Friday, June 20, that the New York City Police Department is investigating whether her death was caused by a possible drug overdose.
According to a document viewed by the outlet, Anne was “discovered in the shower unconscious and unresponsive surrounded by approximately (100) assorted pills.” Anne’s official cause of death has not been confirmed.
Along with her mother and sister, Anne is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021, and his son, Javier.
