New information has emerged about the death of chef Anne Burrell, who died at 55.
A New York Police Department report says investigators found a note described as “suicidal” in the primary bedroom of Burrell’s Brooklyn home after her death on June 17, 2025. The same report also notes that journal entries characterized as “suicidal” were discovered on a bed in the room.
According to the report, Burrell’s husband, Stuart Claxton, noticed in the early morning hours that their bed appeared made in a way that was unusual. He then found Burrell on the bathroom floor, with over-the-counter pills scattered nearby. The report states he tried to rouse her by shaking her and slapping her face, and called 911 when she did not respond.
Claxton told police she had never attempted suicide before and had never spoken about wanting to harm herself, the report says. He also said he had not noticed signs suggesting she might do so.
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Burrell’s death was ruled a suicide in July 2025.
The New York City medical examiner’s office listed the cause of death as acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine. Diphenhydramine and cetirizine are antihistamines, ethanol is found in alcohol, and amphetamine is commonly prescribed for ADHD.
In a statement released the day of her death, Burrell’s family described her as a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend, adding that her warmth and spirit touched people around the world.
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Previous reporting by The New York Times cited an internal police document describing Burrell as having been found unconscious and unresponsive in the shower, surrounded by assorted pills. Police also said she was found unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. A 911 call log indicates a call came in at 7:50 a.m. local time from someone concerned she may have suffered cardiac arrest.
Burrell and Claxton met on the dating app Bumble in 2018 and married on Oct. 16, 2021.
She is survived by Claxton and his son, Javier, as well as her mother, Marlene; her sister, Jane; Jane’s children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas; and her brother, Ben.
