Anne Burrell Found Dead After Suspected Pill Overdose

Anne Burrell, the spirited celebrity chef and beloved Food Network personality, tragically died by suicide on June 17, 2025, at the age of 55.

According to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, her passing was caused by acute intoxication involving a combination of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.

Known for her fiery personality, signature spiky blonde hair, and passion for teaching, Burrell’s influence on the culinary world spanned generations and inspired millions of viewers and aspiring chefs.

Burrell was found unresponsive in the shower of her Brooklyn home around 7:50 a.m., surrounded by approximately 100 pills. Emergency responders declared her dead at the scene. While initial speculation pointed toward a possible overdose, the medical examiner later confirmed the death was a suicide.

Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Anne’s love for cooking was nurtured from an early age. Influenced by her mother, Marlene Burrell, and the iconic Julia Child, she chose to pursue the culinary arts after initially earning a degree in English and Communications from Canisius College.

She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996 and refined her skills further at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners. Early in her career, she worked in esteemed New York restaurants such as Savoy and Lidia Bastianich’s Felidia, which helped launch her into the spotlight.

Anne made her TV debut in 2005 as a sous-chef on Iron Chef America, working alongside Mario Batali. She became a household name hosting Secrets of a Restaurant Chef for nine seasons and co-hosting Worst Cooks in America for 28.

She also led Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, appeared on The Best Thing I Ever Ate and Chopped, and authored two bestselling cookbooks, Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen, both of which showcased her energetic, empowering approach to food.

Off-screen, she was dedicated to philanthropy and community impact. She recently began efforts to improve food quality in nursing homes and explored improv comedy, performing at The Second City in Brooklyn just one night before her death — described by those in attendance as being in “great spirits.”

Her sudden passing left fans and colleagues in shock. Tributes poured in across social media. Carla Hall called her “an incredible cook & teacher, FIERCE!” while Ming Tsai mourned, “We lost a good one here.” Bobby Flay fondly recalled her love for Maine Coon cats, and Duff Goldman shared that he had baked her a cake during a recent rough patch.

The Food Network expressed deep sorrow in an official statement, describing her as “a remarkable person and culinary talent” whose love for food and teaching transformed the network and inspired joy in countless homes.

However, fans expressed disappointment over what many viewed as an underwhelming tribute from the network, pointing to a single-day rerun on June 25 and a 10 p.m. slot for her final episode of Worst Cooks in America on July 28. Some called for a week-long celebration to better honour her contributions and legacy.

Anne is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021; her stepson, Javier Claxton; her mother, Marlene; and her sister, Jane Burrell.

In the wake of her death, renewed attention has been drawn to mental health support. Resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org) are being amplified for those who may be struggling.

The Food Network is expected to air additional special programming in the coming months to celebrate her life and career. Anne Burrell’s legacy — as a chef, mentor, entertainer, and advocate — lives on through the meals she inspired, the people she touched, and the joy she brought to kitchens everywhere.