New details are shedding light on the tragic death of celebrity chef Anne Burrell, who died in June 2025 at the age of 55.
According to a police report obtained, investigators with the New York Police Department found a suicidal note in the primary bedroom of Burrell’s Brooklyn home following her death on June 17, 2025. The report also states that “suicidal” journal entries were discovered on a bed in the same room.
In the early morning hours that day, a redacted individual described in the report as “married to Anne” — an apparent reference to her husband, Stuart Claxton — noticed something unusual. Police said he told investigators the bed in their room was made, which he described as out of character.
Claxton then reportedly found Burrell on the bathroom floor with numerous over-the-counter pills scattered nearby. According to the report, he attempted to wake her by shaking her and slapping her face before calling 911 when she did not respond.
He told authorities that his wife had never previously attempted suicide and had never spoken about it. He also said she had not shown any signs that she might harm herself.
Burrell’s death was officially ruled a suicide in July 2025.
The New York City medical examiner determined her cause of death to be acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine and amphetamine. Diphenhydramine and cetirizine are antihistamines, ethanol is found in alcohol, and amphetamine is commonly prescribed to treat ADHD.
An NYPD spokesperson previously confirmed that Burrell was found unconscious and unresponsive. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. A 911 call placed at 7:50 a.m. reported concerns that she may have suffered cardiac arrest.
The New York Times later reported that she was discovered in the shower surrounded by approximately 100 assorted pills, citing an internal police document.
Burrell was best known as the longtime host of Worst Cooks in America and a vibrant personality on the Food Network. In a statement released the day of her death, her family described her as a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother and friend.
“Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,” the statement read. “Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
Burrell met Claxton on the dating app Bumble in 2018. The couple married on Oct. 16, 2021. She is survived by her husband, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, her sister Jane and Jane’s children, and her brother Ben.
So sad, such a vibrant personality, with (now obvious) hidden demons.
R.I.P. Anne, you were loved by many folks.