Celeb Chef Anne Burrell’s Body Found Near Dozens of Pills: Sources

Celebrity chef Anne Burrell’s body was found next to dozens of pills inside her Brooklyn home, sources told The Post Thursday, as police continue to investigate her unexplained and sudden death.

Burrell, 55, was found unresponsive in her shower shortly before 8 a.m. Tuesday morning, after her husband, Stuart Claxton, found her and called 911, police said.

Burrell, the longtime host of “Worst Cooks in America,” was one of the Food Network’s biggest stars.

The night before her death, Burrell performed improv at a Brooklyn venue and was last seen “in great spirits” around 1 that morning, according to a witness.

She reportedly suffered cardiac arrest, but the city medical examiner has not ruled on the cause of Burrell’s death.

Sources told The Post it is premature to speculate on whether the pills that were found next to her body played any role.

Her death remains under investigation by police but sources said they don’t believe there was foul play.

Her family paid tribute to the adored chef in a touching statement.

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” the grieving family said.

“Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,” the statement continued.

“Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit and boundless love remain eternal.”

Born in upstate Madison County, Burrell graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996 and went on to work as a chef throughout New York City.

She went on to become a Food Network sensation and was a regular on the station, known for her eye-catching trademark spiked and bleached hairdo.

She rose to fame with appearances on a series of network shows, including “Iron Chef America,” Chef Wanted,” “Chopped” and her own show, “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” which ran for nine seasons and earned her an Emmy nomination.

“Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent — teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and joy that a delicious meal can bring,” the network said in a statement this week.

Among the high-profile chefs who have offered their condolences are Bobby Flay and Rachael Ray, who shared the TV spotlight with Burrell over the years.

She was also a bridesmaid at Ray’s wedding.

Burrell published two cookbooks — the New York Times best-selling “Cook Like a Rock Star” in 2011 and “Own Your Kitchen Recipes To Inspire & Empower” in 2013.

Just five days before her body was found, she posted what would be her final Instagram message.

“I ran into [the Green Lady of Brooklyn] in my neighborhood today,” she wrote on June 12, with a photo of Elizabeth Eaton Rosenthal, an eccentric local artist and Big Apple personality.

“I’m not going to lie,” she wrote. “I have been keeping an eye out for her.”