New and heartbreaking details have emerged about the untimely death of Food Network star Anne Burrell. The beloved chef and television personality passed away by suicide on June 17, 2025, at the age of 55. The New York City medical examiner’s office confirmed to NBC News that her cause of death was “acute intoxication” due to a combination of diphenhydramine (a common antihistamine), ethanol (alcohol), cetirizine (an allergy medication), and amphetamine.
Just hours before she passed, Anne had been seen performing with joy and energy at New York’s Second City Training Centre, where she had been exploring her love for improv comedy. No one watching her that evening could’ve imagined the private pain she may have been carrying beneath her vibrant exterior.
According to the NYPD, first responders were called to her home after reports of an “unconscious and unresponsive 55-year-old female” and a possible cardiac arrest. Sadly, Anne was pronounced dead at the scene.
In the days that followed, the outpouring of love and grief from family, friends, and fans painted a picture of a woman whose warmth and spirit deeply touched everyone who crossed her path.
What did Anne Burrell’s family say about her death
Her family, husband Stuart Claxton, stepson Javier, her mother Marlene, and sister Jane, released a heartfelt statement saying:
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend, her smile lit up every room she entered. 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.”
And that couldn’t be more true. For over two decades, Anne Burrell was more than just a TV personality, she was a comforting presence in the homes of millions. Whether she was mentoring struggling home cooks on Worst Cooks in America or enthusiastically sharing kitchen secrets on Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, she always brought her full, fiery self to the table. Her spiky blonde hair, hearty laugh, and fearless love for food made her unforgettable.
Tributes have poured in from across the culinary and entertainment worlds. Model Gigi Hadid, who had the chance to appear with Anne on Beat Bobby Flay in 2023, shared a personal tribute on Instagram:
“I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of the Great Anne Burrell. As a longtime fan, getting to share this day with her was a dream come true. I wish we could have done it all again. She was awesome. Rest in Peace, Legend.”
The Food Network also released a statement mourning her loss, calling her a “remarkable person and culinary talent” who inspired so many with her ability to teach, compete, and remind the world of the joy that food can bring into our lives.
And even outside the kitchen, Anne never stopped chasing joy. Her recent interest in improv brought her into the Second City New York community, where she was welcomed with open arms. The centre remembered her as someone whose “enthusiasm was contagious” and whose presence was simply “unforgettable.”
Anne Burrell was a woman who lived boldly, loved deeply, and shared her gifts generously. Her passing is a painful reminder that even the brightest lights can be fighting silent battles. If there’s one thing her legacy teaches us, it’s the importance of checking in on one another, with care, with love, and without judgment.
