A police report has unveiled new details surrounding the tragic death of celebrity chef Anne Burrell, who passed away at the age of 55 in June 2025. The Food Network star’s death was ruled a suicide by the New York City Medical Examiner five weeks later, following an investigation that revealed the presence of a “suicidal note” and journal entries in her Brooklyn home.
According to reports, the investigator located the note and entries in Burrell’s bedroom after her death on June 17. Her husband, Stuart Claxton, was the first to notice something was amiss when he found their bed unusually made in the early hours of that day. He later discovered his wife unresponsive on the bathroom floor amidst numerous over-the-counter pills and promptly called for emergency assistance.
Claxton expressed disbelief over his wife’s actions, stating that she had never shown any signs of suicidal intent or discussed such thoughts in the past. On the morning of Burrell’s death, police responded to a call regarding an unconscious female, and emergency medical services pronounced her dead at the scene.
The New York Times reported that she was found in the shower, surrounded by approximately 100 assorted pills. The investigation concluded with the Medical Examiner identifying acute intoxication as the cause of death, specifically citing the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine—substances typically associated with both allergies and ADHD treatment.
Burrell was known for her culinary talents, having trained in Asti, Italy, and worked at prestigious restaurants like Felidia and Savoy. She gained fame through her role as a mentor on “Worst Cooks in America,” serving for 27 seasons. Following her passing, the show’s latest season, “Worst Cooks in America: Talented and Terrible,” premiered, continuing her legacy in the culinary world.
In the wake of her untimely death, the Food Network expressed their condolences, highlighting Burrell’s remarkable impact on the culinary community and her dedication to teaching others about the joy of food. “Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends, and fans during this time of tremendous loss,” the network’s representative conveyed.
This heartbreaking news serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the struggles that many individuals face. Despite the tragedy of her passing, Burrell’s contributions to the culinary world and the joy she brought many through her work will continue to resonate with fans and aspiring chefs alike.
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