'America's Test Kitchen' Chef Elle Simone Scott Passes Away at 49

Elle Simone Scott, a multifaceted professional in the culinary world, has passed away. The cause of her death has been revealed, along with a colleague's tribute.

Elle Simone Scott, a food stylist, author, and longtime cast member of "America's Test Kitchen" (ATK), has died at the age of 49.

Scott’s death was confirmed in a Facebook post that praised her professional contributions and lasting influence in the culinary field.

Statement From 'ATK'

In a Facebook post from Cook’s Country, she was described as a "beloved colleague and friend" who became an essential part of the team after joining in 2016.

She also hosted the podcast "The Walk-In" and worked across the brand’s productions, creating visuals for TV series, cookbooks, magazines, videos, and digital platforms.

Additionally, she authored two cookbooks: "Boards: Stylish Spreads for Casual Gatherings" (2022) and "Food Gifts: 150+ Irresistible Recipes for Crafting Personalized Presents" (2024).

"Elle brought warmth and a vibrant spirit to everything she did and will leave a lasting mark on us as well as the millions of cooks who welcomed her into their home," the statement read. "Here at ATK, she will be remembered for her genuine appreciation for the people around her and the care she showed for her work and her colleagues."

Scott died after a long battle with ovarian cancer, the team confirmed to People.

A Fellow Chef’s Tribute

Chef and television host Carla Hall penned a heartfelt message to Scott on Instagram. "She showed up with excellence, generosity, and deep love for food and community," she wrote.

Hall noted that at "ATK," Scott was a trailblazer. She was one of the first Black women viewers saw in that space, and she brought confidence and joy to her role. Hall also emphasized that Scott’s presence reshaped representation in food media and had a lasting impact.

Hall also praised Scott's openness during her illness, "Elle faced ovarian cancer with courage and honesty, using her platform to educate, advocate, and uplift even while fighting for her life."

She expressed that the community will continue to honor Scott's memory, as her influence lives on through the many kitchens she inspired and the people who felt seen because of her.

Behind Scott's Talent

Scott was the first African American woman to appear on "ATK." In a past interview, she credited her late great-grandmother, Ann Jordan Ford, as her earliest influence in the kitchen. Ford died about 14 years ago.

"I was cooking long before I was trained, but it was definitely the confidence she displayed in the kitchen," Scott said. "She moved like she was floating and you could see her mind was in another place, she was transplanted to a different place."

Scott described her great-grandmother as a natural in the kitchen. She said cooking for the family was not just about putting food on the table, as it also held emotional and political meaning.

Career Highlights

Beyond television, Scott built a wide-ranging career in food media. According to her LinkedIn profile, she began working as a freelance food stylist and culinary producer in 2006. Her professional credits included Food Network, Cooking Channel, CBS, ABC's "The Chew," and Bravo's "Chef Roblé & Co."

In 2013, she founded SheChef Inc., a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that mentors and supports women of color pursuing culinary careers. The organization offers after-school programs, scholarships, college prep, and leadership development.

Scott also led projects under SheChef Productions, including #HerFoodStory and Yo Stay Hungry, which blended food, music, and storytelling to highlight underrepresented voices.

She earned a Master of Arts in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University, a culinary certificate from the Culinary Academy of New York, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Eastern Michigan University. Her affiliations included the James Beard House, the Black Culinary Alliance, and the American Red Cross.

Another Tragic Loss

Before Scott's death, the culinary world was already mourning another loss. In June 2025, celebrity chef Anne Burrell died at 55, and her cause of death was revealed five weeks later.

Burrell died by suicide, People confirmed. The New York City medical examiner's office listed the cause as "acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine."

According to an NYPD document, she was found unconscious in her shower, surrounded by pills. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene.

Representatives announced her death in a statement obtained by the publication on June 17 of the same year. "Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered," her family said.

Burrell was best known as the longtime host of "Worst Cooks in America" and a fan favorite on Food Network. She was admired for her passion, mentorship, and charisma. She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, her mother, siblings, and stepchildren.

As the culinary world continues to mourn the loss of both American chefs, another tragedy has struck the food and lifestyle community.

As previously reported, South African chef Mynie Steffens, 43, the cherished co-host of VIA channel’s "Speel met Vuur," died on the morning of November 10, 2025, when the aircraft she was piloting struck power lines during a crop-spraying mission and crashed to the ground with devastating impact.

Chaos Unfolds Over Farmland

Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli confirmed the crash occurred around 8 a.m. The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division has already opened a case to determine the cause of the deadly accident involving a Robinson R22 helicopter.

Steffens, who held credentials as a licensed pilot instructor, was operating the flight over Roodegrond Farm near Patensie, an Eastern Cape region known for its sweeping orange fields.

"The helicopter itself was substantially damaged due to impact force," authorities said. Investigators will release a preliminary report within 30 days, as questions swirl about what caused the fatal descent.

Reports and Immediate Reaction

Local farm owner Ruan Scheepers was alerted to the horrifying news by one of his workers who witnessed the aftermath. The situation was scary for everyone, according to the farm owner, and he later offered his condolences to Steffens' family in the wake of the heartbreaking accident.

Private security firm Exec Ops ARO was dispatched to the scene, arriving alongside emergency responders and other authorities.

In a solemn post shared on Facebook, the company stated it would refrain from releasing further details on social media "due to the sensitive nature of the incident," but still extended a respectful message of sympathy.

Culinary Trailblazer Mourned

Steffens was not just a television host. She was an important figure in the South African culinary and lifestyle space, known for her flair, warmth, and bold creativity.

Her longtime friend and co-host, Aldi van der Walt, expressed devastation in an interview with local outlet, IOL, calling the situation a "massive shock" and adding that she was still trying to deal with the "tragic loss."

"Mynie lived life to the full," Van der Walt said. "She was always full of ideas that had transformed into successful endeavours, and then executing that with success, winning over people as she went along."

The pair's journey began as teenagers on the hockey field at Nico Malan High in Humansdrop. Sixteen years later, they reunited to build a dream that became "Speel met Vuur" ("Play with Fire"), a hit cooking series defined by its bold visuals and adventurous spirit.