Food Network chef Anne Burrell died by suicide, acute intoxication, medical examiner confirms
Chef Anne Burrell died by suicide, ABC News confirmed.
It's been just over five weeks since Burrell was found "unconscious and unresponsive" in her Brooklyn home on June 17, according to police. The City of New York Office of Chief Medical Examiner concluded its investigation on Thursday, determining suicide as her manner of death.
The chef died by "acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine," the medical examiner said.
Two of the medications found in Burrell's system, Diphenhydramine and Cetirizine are antihistamines, which according to the National Library of Medicine are used to block the "substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms."
Ethanol, a chemical compound found in alcohol, "represents the most commonly used drug worldwide," according to the National Institutes of Health, and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to ethanol poisoning.
Amphetamine, which is commonly used to treat symptoms of ADHD, should not be taken in combination with alcohol, per the National Library of Medicine.
While these drugs can be taken individually for over-the-counter or prescribed purposes, it is not recommended to mix these drugs due to possible unpredictable combined effects.
Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021, and his son, Javier; her mother, Marlene; her sister, Jane, and Jane's children, Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas; and her brother, Ben.
Burrell was a longtime co-host of Food Network's "Worst Cooks in America," and she left a lasting impact on her culinary TV family.
Tributes poured in from all corners of the food world in the days following her sudden death, with sentiments from fellow titans of the industry like Tyler Florence, Alex Guarnaschelli, Elizabeth Falkner and others who shared fond memories and deep remorse for the loss on social media.
Burrell was born on Sept. 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, and developed a passion for cooking early on, inspired by her mother's home-cooked meals and TV icon Julia Child.
As a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in 1996, Burrell went on to study at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, where she honed her love for Italian cuisine through apprenticeships across the country.
Upon returning to the U.S. in 1998, Burrell worked at kitchens in New York City under Lidia Bastianich and later led the kitchen at Savoy in SoHo, where she crafted Mediterranean-inspired dishes over an open wood fire.
After several years in the restaurant world, Burrell transitioned to teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education.
She began her television career as a sous chef on "Iron Chef America," eventually landing her own Emmy-nominated show, "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef," which ran for nine seasons.
Burrell was an early star and staple figure on Food Network, appearing in shows including "Chopped," "Chef Wanted" and "Food Network Star," most recently competing in "House of Knives" in 2025.
The new season of "Worst Cooks in America," featuring Burrell's final appearance as a mentor, premieres on Food Network on Monday, July 28, at 9 p.m. ET and streams the next day on HBO Max.
She also authored two cookbooks, including the New York Times bestseller "Cook Like a Rock Star."
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide - free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text the national lifeline at 988.
