Anne Burrell’s death has been ruled a suicide by authorities, five weeks after the Food Network star was found unresponsive by emergency responders at her New York City home.
An investigation by the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner determined the manner of the Burrell’s death at 55 to be suicide, the office said in a statement on July 24.
The cause of her death was determined to be “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine,” according to the medical examiner.
Anne Burrell’s Cause of Death
- The Food Network star died by suicide due to “acute intoxication” from multiple substances, including amphetamine and alcohol, per the New York City Medical Examiner.
- On the day of Burrell’s death, authorities responded to a call for a report of cardiac arrest at her home.
- Burrell was a beloved, bestselling cookbook author and chef who appeared on the Food Network for 20 years.
An unidentified woman was found “unconscious and unresponsive” at Burrell’s home in Brooklyn on June 17, police said. Emergency medical services responded to a report of cardiac arrest and pronounced her dead at the scene, the NYPD said.
Burrell’s family confirmed her death in a statement later that same day, calling Burrell “a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend.”
“Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal,” the statement said.
Burrell is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, whom she married in 2021, and his son, Javier, along with her mother, Marlene, sister Jane and brother Ben.
The chef and bestselling cookbook author was a fixture on Food Network for 20 years, serving as the host of “Worst Cooks in America” and appearing regularly on “Chopped” and “Food Network Star.”
The celebrity chef known for her culinary creations, sassy personality and spiky blond hair was most recently was on “House of Knives,” which premiered in March.
Burrell was also a regular guest chef on TODAY, with her most recent appearance coming on April 9.
“Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent — teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring,” a Food Network spokesperson said after her death in June. “Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.org, to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
