Anne Burrell, the former host of Worst Cooks in America, died earlier this summer at the age of 55 years old. News of her death broke on June 17, 2025, and the New York City Chief Medical Examiner released new details about her cause of death and what happened to her.
As one of the most recognizable faces in food television, fans and fellow chefs mourned her death when Burrell’s family confirmed the news.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” Burrell’s family’s statement read, according to People. “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.”
Below, get updates on what happened to Burrell as fans mourn the loss of the late Food Network personality.
Who Was Anne Burrell?
Burrell was one of food TV’s most well-known cooks. With her charisma and ambitious skills, the New York native became a fan-favorite on the Food Network. She was best known as the long-term host of Worst Cooks in America.
Throughout her career, Burrell also appeared in multiple shows on the network, including Iron Chef America, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and House of Knives, which just came out in March 2025.
Additionally, Burrell published two cookbooks, Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower, and she was dedicated to philanthropy, having worked with Garden of Dreams Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and City Harvest’s Food Council.
What Happened to Anne Burrell?
Burrell was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn, New York, home on June 17, 2025, according to TMZ. Law enforcement sources told the outlet that EMS was called about a woman “in need of assistance,” and after arriving, they couldn’t revive her. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Days later, The Independent reported that the New York City Police Department was investigating Burrell’s death as a possible overdose.
In newly released police reports, the New York Police Department confirmed that a handwritten “suicidal note” — dated the morning of her death — was found in her bedroom, along with journal entries reflecting similar thoughts. An investigator discovered the notes following her passing and immediately relayed the information to authorities.
Anne Burrell’s Cause of Death
On July 24, 2025, the New York City Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that Burrell’s cause of death was “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine,” and her manner of death was suicide.
According to TMZ, Burrell’s husband, Stuart Claxton, last saw his wife alive hours before finding her unresponsive in the shower. After calling 911, TMZ reported that the operator told him to perform CPR, but it’s still unclear if he did.
Per TMZ, a rep for the New York City Fire Department said the incident “was reported to them as cardiac arrest.” The outlet later reported that law enforcement said a “large quantity” of unknown pills were discovered near Burrell.
Anne Burrell’s Net Worth
At the time of her death, Burrell had racked up a net worth of $4 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Anne Burrell’s Husband
Burrell was married to her husband, Stuart, whom she met on Bumble in 2018. The couple got married in October 2021.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
