Food Network star Anne Burrell appeared to be living life to the fullest in the days before her untimely death.
As seen on social media, the Worst Cooks in America host was enjoying different aspects of her New York neighborhood, including the good food at nearby restaurants, before her family announced her death on Tuesday, June 17.
“A delicious and delightful evening last night @sohohouse for @cheffalkner‘s ‘One Night Only’ dinner,” Burrell wrote via Instagram on Thursday, June 12. “SUUUUUUPER yummy with a great group of people. Thank you Chef for the invite and deliciousness!! #theclaxtons #ilovewhatido #luckygirl.”
In one of her final social media posts before her death, Burrell was seen smiling from ear to ear as she posed for photos with Chef Elizabeth Falkner and restaurateur Vicki Freeman.
On Tuesday, news broke that Burrell had died at her Brooklyn, New York, home at the age of 55. Her cause of death has yet to be revealed.
“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. “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.”
In her final Instagram post before her death, Burrell appeared to be in good spirits as she unexpectedly met The Green Lady of Brooklyn.
“I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!!” she wrote via Instagram on Thursday with a selfie. “I’m not going to lie. I have been keeping an eye out for her. I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl ????????????.”
The Green Lady of Brooklyn later responded to Burrell’s post writing, “It was so much fun meeting you. ????See you again soon in the neighborhood ???? The only thing I make is coffee and fig preserves from my fig tree ???? love and hugs ???? Elizabeth ???????????? .”
Food Network fans met Burrell in 2005 as a sous chef on Iron Chef America. She later appeared in Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which premiered in 2008 and ran for nine seasons.
Her most prominent role came when she began hosting Worst Cooks in America in 2010, in which she served as a mentor to amateur cooks hoping to become capable chefs.
While much of her career was focused on food and cooking, the Culinary Institute of America graduate also appeared to be exploring the world of improv.
“Sooooooo… as I have mentioned I have been taking Improv classes @thesecondcitytc and having an ABSOLUTE blast!!!” Burrell wrote via Instagram on June 10. “My class and I are coming to the end of this term and we get to do an actual show!!!”
She invited fans to stop by The Second City in Brooklyn on Monday, June 16 to see her “small but SUPER fun” friends she was collaborating with before adding, “#ilovewhatido #luckygirl.”
It’s unclear if Burrell was able to participate in the show one day before her death.
