Anne Burrell’s Cause of Death Ruled a Suicide 5 Weeks After Food Network Star Died at 55

The cause of death for Food Network star Anne Burrell has been confirmed as suicide, five weeks after she was found dead in her Brooklyn home. She was 55.

According to the New York City Medical Examiner, Burrell died from acute intoxication caused by a combination of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine—a mix of antihistamines, alcohol, and a stimulant commonly prescribed for ADHD.

On June 17, the celebrity chef was discovered unresponsive in the shower, surrounded by around 100 assorted pills, The New York Times reported, citing an internal NYPD document. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene.

The NYPD confirmed to PEOPLE the following day that Burrell had been found “unconscious and unresponsive.” A 911 call placed at 7:50 a.m. suggested she may have gone into cardiac arrest.

Burrell’s family has chosen not to comment on the circumstances of her death but released a heartfelt statement at the time:

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered… Her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”

Burrell was best known as the dynamic host of Worst Cooks in America, where her signature energy and wit helped transform struggling home cooks into confident chefs. Her bold personality, spiky blond hair, and trademark red chef’s coat made her an instantly recognizable figure in the culinary world.

Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell found her love for cooking early on, inspired by her mother’s homemade meals and legendary chef Julia Child. She first studied English and Communications at Canisius College before enrolling at the Culinary Institute of America, where she graduated in 1996.

After honing her skills in restaurants in Italy and New York, Burrell transitioned to teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education. She eventually stepped into the spotlight as a sous chef on Iron Chef America, which launched her television career.

Her Emmy-nominated series Secrets of a Restaurant Chef debuted in 2008, followed by appearances on Chopped, Chef Wanted, Food Network Star, and most recently, the 2025 competition series House of Knives.

Burrell was also a bestselling author, publishing Cook Like a Rock Star in 2011 and Own Your Kitchen in 2013.

In her personal life, she met her husband Stuart Claxton on Bumble in 2018. The couple married in October 2021 and shared a home with Claxton’s son, Javier.

The night before her passing, Burrell had performed in the final showcase of a Brooklyn improv class. One of her castmates, actress Jane Margolis, recalled that she was in high spirits:

“She was having the best night. She came up with these one-liners that had everyone in stitches. She was really into it.”

Anne Burrell is survived by her husband Stuart, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, sister Jane, brother Ben, and children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.

Her sudden passing has left a deep void in the culinary and entertainment worlds, where she was cherished for her passion, humor, and generosity.