New NYPD Photos from Scene of Anne Burrell’s Death Show Dozens of Pills, Empty Medicine Bottles

The New York Police Department has released a cache of investigative evidence, including scene photographs and surveillance footage, related to the June 2025 death of celebrity chef Anne Burrell. The materials, made public Tuesday, provide a somber look into the final hours of the Worst Cooks in America host.

The newly released images depict the interior of Burrell’s Brooklyn apartment following the discovery of her body. Photographs show dozens of loose pills in a dish near a toilet, accompanied by various over-the-counter bottles, including Advil, Zyrtec, and Motrin. Investigators also documented discarded cigarette butts and a lighter on the bathroom floor.

Last month, a redacted police report confirmed that investigators recovered a “suicidal note” and journal entries in the primary bedroom. According to the report, Burrell’s husband, Stuart Claxton, alerted authorities in the early hours of June 17, 2025, after finding his wife unresponsive on the bathroom floor.

Claxton told investigators that Burrell had no history of suicide attempts and had shown no prior warning signs. He has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

The NYPD also released surveillance video from the night of the incident. The footage tracks Burrell and Claxton as they enter their apartment complex and transit through the lobby.

In one segment, the couple is seen inside an elevator. The footage captures a visible tension; Burrell leans against the wall, avoiding eye contact and crossing her arms while Claxton appears to speak and gesture toward her. The video shows Burrell briefly attempting to respond before falling silent as the elevator reaches their floor.

The New York City Medical Examiner’s office officially ruled Burrell’s death a suicide in July 2025. The cause of death was cited as acute intoxication resulting from a combination of:

• Diphenhydramine (Antihistamine)
• Cetirizine (Antihistamine)
• Ethanol (Alcohol)
• Amphetamine (Commonly used for ADHD treatment)

Burrell, who was 55 at the time of her death, was a pillar of the Food Network community for nearly two decades. Known for her spiked blonde hair and high-energy coaching style, she reached millions of viewers through her various television programs.

In a statement following the initial report, Burrell’s family described her as a “beloved wife, sister, and daughter” whose “warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.” She is survived by Claxton, her stepson Javier, and her extended family.