Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
A police report has provided further details about Anne Burrell’s death, including a note that authorities reportedly identified as a suicide note.
The TV chef died in June 2025 at the age of 55. Her family later confirmed the news in a statement paying tribute to her life.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” the statement read.
“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.”
According to police, New York Police Department officers found Burrell “unconscious and unresponsive,” and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
In the period leading up to her death, Burrell had been pursuing improv comedy and had taken to the stage at The Second City venue in Brooklyn, New York.
Investigators have now released additional information. A new police report obtained by People states that officers found a “suicide note” as well as a journal described as “sucidal” in Burrell’s Brooklyn bedroom.
The report also describes an account from a person listed as being “married to Anne,” believed to be her husband, Stuart Claxton. The individual reportedly told officers Burrell had “never attempted suicide in the past and has never talked about it,” and added she had not shown “any signs that she would do something like this that he has witnessed.”
The same documentation reportedly noted Burrell had “used cocaine in the past but that was a few years ago.”
The New York City medical examiner’s office later ruled her death a suicide, citing “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.”
Following her death, messages of remembrance poured in. The Food Network, which worked with Burrell on Worst Cooks in America, shared a statement honoring her career and impact.
They said in a statement: “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.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.