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Food Network star Anne Burrell’s cause of death has been revealed, five weeks after her shock passing at 55.
On Thursday, People confirmed that the celebrity chef tragically died by suicide.
The New York City medical examiner’s office determined that the cause of death was ‘acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.’
According to the report, ‘diphenhydramine and cetirizine are antihistamines, ethanol is a chemical present in alcohol, and amphetamine is often prescribed for treating ADHD.’
Last month, Burrell, known for hosting Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and co-hosting Worst Cooks in America, was discovered deceased in her Brooklyn apartment on a Tuesday.
Food Network star Anne Burrell’s cause of death has been revealed, five weeks after her shock death at 55; seen in 2019
The Food Network star was found ‘in the shower unconscious and unresponsive surrounded by approximately (100) assorted pills’, according to NYPD documents seen by The New York Times.
Emergency medical teams responded to the home that she shared with her husband Stuart Claxton but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
On June 20, a spokeswoman for the city’s medical examiner’s office confirmed that Burrell’s autopsy had been completed but findings on the exact cause of her death was still pending.
Claxton reportedly last saw his wife alive at about 1AM the night prior before discovering her unconscious between six to seven hours later in their bathroom.
It was reported earlier this week that EMS crews had attempted CPR on Burrell but could not resuscitate her.
Her family said in a statement: ‘Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered.
‘Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.’
A Food Network spokesperson added, ‘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.
‘Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.’
On Thursday, People confirmed that the celebrity chef tragically died by suicide
Emergency medical teams responded to the home that she shared with her husband Stuart Claxton, the couple are seen here, but she was pronounced dead at the scene
Just hours before her passing Burrell had performed a improv show at a comedy club in Brooklyn, after having taken classes at the venue’s training center.
In a podcast earlier this year she spoke with Tori Spelling on taking the classes and how she planned to expand her horizons.
She said: ‘I just started taking acting classes. I started yesterday, actually… It’s like an improv for actors’ class.
‘I got there and it’s like eight people in the class. I’m the oldest one. Every other person has like, “Oh, I have a master’s in fine arts in theater.”‘
Burrell showed off her self-awareness and sense of humor that her fans were familiar with as she joked about the age gap between she and her fellow students.
Burrell pictured with her husband Stuart Claxton, whom she wed in 2021
She said: ‘I’m like, “okay, I’ve never taken an acting class. I don’t know, this is new to me.”
‘I wonder if these delightful and super talented kids look at me and they’re like, “What’s this old lady doing here?”‘
The television personality had taken a break from her show Worst Cooks In America for season 28 which baffled many fans and Spelling, 52, asked at the time what led her to that decision.
Burrell answered: ‘I can cook, yes, I can do TV, but also, what else? I’ve got more to do in my life, I feel like.’
She also admitted that she was just ‘dipping my toe’ when it came to the pivot to acting.
Burrell explained: ‘I feel very excited about it. I’ve got a few other things that I’m working on as well, which I’m not quite ready to share yet. Hopefully, exciting [are] things coming.’
