Food Network star Anne Burrell, known for her vibrant personality and culinary skills, reportedly died by suicide due to a fatal mix of alcohol and prescription drugs, according to a medical examiner’s report.
Tragic Discovery at Home
On June 17, emergency services responded to a 911 call at Anne Burrell’s Brooklyn residence, reporting a cardiac arrest. Paramedics found her unresponsive on the bathroom floor.
Despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The news came as a shock, especially since the chef had shared a smiling social media update just five days prior, showing her strolling through New York City.
Cause of Death Revealed
The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s report, obtained by TMZ, confirmed her death was a suicide. The report detailed that Burrell had consumed a lethal combination of substances.
These included diphenhydramine and cetirizine (common allergy medications), ethanol (alcohol), and amphetamine, a stimulant often prescribed for ADHD.
The Dangers of Mixing Substances
Experts emphasize that while each of these substances might be safe when taken individually and in correct doses, their combination—especially with alcohol—can have dangerous and unpredictable effects.
This tragic incident highlights the serious risks associated with mixing medications, even common over-the-counter drugs, with alcohol or other prescription drugs without medical guidance.
A Beloved Figure Remembered
Anne’s death was confirmed by her family and representative, who described her as “a beloved wife, daughter, sister, stepmom, and friend.” They fondly recalled her infectious smile and warm spirit that brightened every room she entered.
Anne was married to Stuart Claxton, a Univision ad executive, whom she wed in 2021. She lived with a large, loving family that included her stepson, mother, sister, and nieces and nephew.
Anne Burrell’s Culinary Legacy
Born in Cazenovia, New York, in 1969, Anne Burrell pursued her passion for cooking, graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996. Her career took off when she became a sous-chef on the popular show Iron Chef America.
She soon landed her own show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which ran for nine successful seasons. Burrell became a familiar face across the Food Network, appearing on shows like Chopped, Chef Wanted, Food Network Star, Cutthroat Kitchen, and Beat Bobby Flay.
She is perhaps best known for her role as a coach on Worst Cooks in America, where her distinctive style guided clueless home cooks for 27 seasons. Her final television appearance is set to air on July 28, with the newest season of Worst Cooks in America.
- Anne Burrell’s death was ruled a suicide due to a mix of alcohol and prescription drugs.
- She was found unresponsive at her Brooklyn home on June 17.
- Her final season of Worst Cooks in America will air on July 28.
Her sudden passing has left a void in the culinary world, and she will be deeply missed by fans and colleagues alike.
