Superstar chef and longtime Meals Community host Anne Burrell died by suicide, in accordance with a ruling from the New York Metropolis Workplace of the Chief Medical Examiner. The 55-year-old was discovered lifeless in her Brooklyn house on June 17.
The official explanation for loss of life was listed as acute intoxication from the mixed results of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine. The substances embody alcohol, prescription amphetamines, and two widespread over-the-counter antihistamines. Emergency responders pronounced Burrell lifeless on the scene after being known as to her residence that morning.
In line with regulation enforcement officers conversant in the case, Burrell was found unresponsive within the bathe alongside quite a few tablets, indicating a suspected overdose. The New York Police Division had been investigating the case as a doable suicide previous to the official ruling.
Burrell was well known for her function as co-host of “Worst Cooks in America,” a contest collection geared toward instructing kitchen novices fundamental culinary abilities. Recognized for her vibrant persona and signature platinum-blonde hair, Burrell grew to become a staple on the Meals Community over the previous twenty years.
In January, Burrell didn’t return to co-host the most recent season of “Worst Cooks in America,” although no cause was given publicly. After her passing, the community confirmed it will air her ultimate season, co-hosted with chef Gabe Bertaccini.
Born on Sept. 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell first appeared on tv in 2005 as a sous chef on “Iron Chef America” earlier than launching her personal Emmy-nominated collection, “Secrets and techniques of a Restaurant Chef,” in 2008.
Her ardour for cooking was impressed by her household and early tv meals icons. After incomes a level in English and communications from Canisius School, she graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996. Burrell went on to show on the Institute of Culinary Schooling in New York Metropolis earlier than transitioning absolutely into tv.
Along with her tv work, Burrell authored two cookbooks and appeared on quite a few Meals Community applications, together with “Chopped,” “Chef Wished,” and “Meals Community Star.” Her most up-to-date undertaking, “Home of Knives,” premiered in March 2025.
She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in 2021, alongside together with his son, Javier; her mom, Marlene; her siblings; and a number of other stepchildren.
“Anne was a exceptional particular person and culinary expertise—instructing, competing, and at all times sharing the significance of meals in her life and the enjoyment {that a} scrumptious meal can carry,” Meals Community stated in a assertion following Burrell’s loss of life. “Our ideas are with Anne’s household, buddies, and followers throughout this time of super loss.”
In the event you discovered this text fascinating, please contemplate supporting conventional journalism
Our first version was printed 25 years in the past from a basement in Atlanta. At present, The Epoch Instances brings fact-based, award-winning journalism to hundreds of thousands of Individuals.
Our journalists have been threatened, arrested, and assaulted, however our dedication to impartial journalism has by no means wavered. This 12 months marks our twenty fifth 12 months of impartial reporting, free from company and political affect.
That’s why you’re invited to a limited-time introductory supply — simply $1 per week — so you possibly can be a part of hundreds of thousands already celebrating impartial information.
