“Worst Cooks in America” Host Anne Burrell’s Cause of Death Confirmed
Anne Burrell, the beloved host of Worst Cooks in America, tragically passed away at the age of 55 on June 17 at her Brooklyn home. Authorities have confirmed that her death was a result of suicide.
The New York City medical examiner’s office determined Burrell’s cause of death as “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.”
This heartbreaking news sheds light on the circumstances surrounding the loss of the renowned chef and television personality.
The Post has reached out to Anne Burrell’s representatives for comment but has yet to receive a response.
Last month, Burrell’s family shared the heartbreaking news of her passing in a statement to People magazine, expressing their grief and asking for privacy during this difficult time.
Anne Burrell’s loved ones shared a touching tribute at the time of her passing:
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” they said. “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.”
The New York City Police Department reported that Burrell was found “unconscious and unresponsive” at her Brooklyn home and was pronounced dead at the scene.
+Officers reported that emergency medical services responded to the scene and pronounced Anne Burrell deceased upon arrival. The 911 call was initially placed for a reported cardiac arrest.
According to law enforcement sources who spoke with TMZ, Burrell’s husband, Stuart Claxton, discovered her unresponsive on the shower floor just hours after seeing her alive.
Sources also told The Post that the Food Network star’s body was found next to dozens of pills.
In a poignant detail, the day before her death, Burrell performed in an improv show at Second City New York in Brooklyn. A source shared with People that “Everyone said she was so great last night and so happy,” highlighting the contrast between her public joy and private struggles.
A second insider who spent time with Anne Burrell on the night of her final performance described her as “in great spirits.” They recalled “typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast,” and said that everyone who knew her was left “shocked and confused” by her sudden death.
Burrell had an extensive career as the host of 27 seasons of Worst Cooks in America, earning widespread admiration for her passionate and energetic presence on the show.
The Food Network series Worst Cooks in America followed amateur cooks as they attempted to transform their kitchen skills, with Anne Burrell serving as a key figure from the show’s launch in 2010 through 2024.
A Food Network representative expressed their condolences to The Post, saying, “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.”
Throughout her career, Burrell also made her mark as an author, publishing two cookbooks. Her debut book, Cook Like a Rock Star, released in 2011, became a New York Times bestseller. She followed it up in 2013 with Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower, which further showcased her passion for making cooking accessible and enjoyable.
Carla Hall and BurrellAnne Burrell graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996 and began her career working at notable New York City restaurants such as Felidia and Savoy in Soho.
She gained recognition as a sous chef on Iron Chef America and made appearances on shows like Chef Wanted and Chopped.
In 2008, Burrell launched her own cooking series, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which ran for nine seasons and earned two Emmy nominations in 2011.
Off-camera, Anne Burrell found love later in life, marrying Stuart Claxton in 2021 after meeting through the dating app Bumble in 2018.
“Once you get to be a woman of 50 years old, you don’t really think that marriage is going to be on the plate for you,” Burrell told People in 2020. “I was always really focused on my career and marriage was never a huge thing in my life that I was looking for. Then when I met Stuart, my opinion about all that changed.”
Claxton later reflected on their relationship in 2023, sharing, “It’s been wonderful, to say the least. Anne and I hadn’t lived together before we moved in and got married, so it’s been a whole adventure, but very lovely at the same time.”
Anne Burrell’s final social media post was shared just five days before her passing.
On June 12, she posted a joyful snapshot with iconic New Yorker Elizabeth Eaton Rosenthal, known as the Green Lady of Brooklyn. Burrell wrote, “I ran into [the Green Lady of Brooklyn] in my neighborhood today! I’m not going to lie – I have been keeping an eye out for her.”
She added with humor and warmth, “I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!!”
This candid moment offered fans a glimpse of Burrell’s spirited personality and her connection to the vibrant life around her.
Elizabeth Eaton Rosenthal, 84, famously known for wearing the color green for over 20 years, responded warmly to Anne Burrell’s post, saying it “was so much fun meeting” the Food Network star.
Anne Burrell is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, her sister Jane, and her brother Ben.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. Residents of New York City can call 888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. For those outside the five boroughs, dialing 988 connects you to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or you can visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org for support.
