On June 17, the food world was plunged into mourning with the announcement of Anne Burrell’s death. Burrell, a TV chef best known for her work on Worst Cooks in America, was found dead inside her New York apartment shortly before 8 am. The incident left family, friends, and fans mourning the loss. A wake was held in New York City before the family hosted additional services in Upstate New York, where Burrell was born and raised. The cause of death for Anne Burrell was not immediately available, but five weeks later, an official cause has been announced.

Anne Burrell died by suicide

Anne Burrell’s cause of death has been announced. According to TMZ, the medical examiner has announced that Anne Burrell died by suicide. The 55-year-old chef had several drugs in her system at the time of her death. According to reports, a toxicology report revealed that Burrell ingested Diphenhydramine, Cetirizine, Amphetamine, and alcohol before her death. Diphenhydramine is the active ingredient in Benadryl, a first-generation antihistamine that is commonly used to treat allergies. Cetirizine is also an allergy medication. Both are available over the counter. Amphetamine is a stimulant that is sometimes used to treat ADHD.

The news that Burrell died by suicide has shocked the Food Network community. Still, earlier reports suggested drugs may have played a role in her tragic death. Shortly after Burrell died, reports surfaced that 100 pills had been found scattered near where she was discovered. Initial reports did not specify the type of medication found.

Who was the last person to see the chef alive?

By all accounts, Anne Burrell was happy and in good spirits the night before her death. She even performed with an improv group on June 16. Burrell’s husband, Stewart Claxton, reported that he last saw his wife alive around 1 am on June 17. Seven hours later, a 911 call for an unconscious person on the shower floor was placed. Claxton and Burrell shared the Brooklyn pad, purchased in 2019, with Claxton’s adult son. Burrell discussed her role as a stepmother during an interview shortly before her death. Claxton and Burrell married in 2021 after meeting on a dating app.

It is unclear if Claxton remains in the Brooklyn apartment that Burrell lovingly renovated. Claxton is the vice president of marketing and communications for a nonprofit. He was Burrell’s only spouse, though she was previously engaged to fellow chef Koren Grieveson. Grieveson has not commented on Burrell’s passing.

How to get help: In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor at the free Crisis Text Line.