Food Network Chef Anne Burrell Died By Suicide, Officials Say

Beloved Food Network star Anne Burrell died by suicide, New York City officials confirmed on Thursday.

Burrell was discovered dead in her Brooklyn home last month. She was 55 years old.

New York City’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the chef took her own life, citing acute intoxication from multiple substances.

The cause of death is listed as “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.”

The fire department said it responded to her address at 7:50 a.m. on the morning of June 17, after they received a report of cardiac arrest, according to NBC News.

Burrell was discovered in her shower “unconscious and unresponsive surrounded by approximately (100) assorted pills,” a New York Times report details.

Burrell was married to Stuart Claxton. The pair wed in October 2021. The chef was also the stepmother to Claxton’s son, Javier.

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family said in a statement soon after Burrell’s death. “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.”

Food Network called Burrell a “remarkable person and culinary talent.”

“We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning,” the statement said. “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.”

We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning. 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… pic.twitter.com/KABKH2SvkP

— Food Network (@FoodNetwork) June 17, 2025

Burrell made her Food Network debut in 2005 as part of the popular competition series “Iron Chef America,” serving as a sous chef for Iron Chef Mario Batali, The Daily Wire highlighted. She’s also recognized for hosting the shows “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef” and “Worst Cooks in America.”

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.