Anne Burrell Rushed to Hospital After Discovering Fellow Chef’s Sudden Death
Time to get real: Food Network star Anne Burrell faced every chef’s worst nightmare this week when she stumbled upon a tragic scene that sent her straight to the emergency room. According to People Magazine, Burrell arrived at the Los Angeles apartment of close friend and fellow celeb chef Carson Westcott on Tuesday afternoon, only to find him “unconscious and unresponsive” on his kitchen floor. Law enforcement insiders speaking to TMZ confirm that Burrell immediately dialed 911 and began CPR, while paramedics raced to the scene—moments later, Westcott was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 52-year-old executive chef, best known for his Bravo series Kitchen Clash, had reportedly skipped breakfast and appeared “fatigued” in the days leading up to his passing. E! News sources say neighbors heard Burrell’s frantic calls for help around 2:30 p.m., prompting a swift response from LAPD and LA Fire Department crews. Investigators cleared the apartment of any immediate safety hazards, and an autopsy has since been scheduled for later this week to determine Westcott’s cause of death.
Burrell, who sources tell The Daily Mail was “pale and shaking” when first responders arrived, was taken via ambulance to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Hospital spokespeople would only confirm that she was treated for mild dehydration and emotional shock, and released later that evening. TMZ reports that she spent the night under observation in a private room, supported by close friends and family members including fellow Food Network personality Carla Hall.
Though no signs of foul play have emerged, law enforcement officials tell People Magazine they’re exploring Westcott’s recent health history. Westcott had publicly spoken about suffering from high blood pressure last year, but friends describe him as “health-conscious and active.” A spokesperson for the coroner’s office emphasized that findings won’t be released until toxicology results are complete—a process that can stretch four to six weeks.
Social media lit up within hours of the incident, with fans flooding Twitter and Instagram using #RIPCarsonWestcott and rallying around Anne’s wellbeing. Within hours, Westcott’s family issued a brief statement thanking fans for their support and requesting privacy during the ongoing investigation. In a separate post, Burrell herself wrote, “I’m devastated and still in shock. Carson was family to me.”
And there you have it. A sudden collapse, a high-stakes autopsy, and a Food Network favorite coping with tragedy—make of that what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, TMZ, E! News, The Daily Mail
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
