More than a month after chef and Food Network star Anne Burrell was found dead in her Brooklyn home, officials have confirmed her cause of death. On July 24, 2025, the New York City Medical Examiner ruled it a suicide caused by acute intoxication from amphetamine, alcohol, and antihistamines.
Burrell was discovered unresponsive in the shower by her husband, Stuart Claxton, hours after she was last seen alive. Despite immediate 911 efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Over 100 tablets were found nearby.
Her passing shocked the culinary world. Known for her fiery personality and culinary talent, Burrell hosted “Worst Cooks in America” and “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” and appeared on “Iron Chef.” She trained at the Culinary Institute of America and also taught in Manhattan.
Burrell had a colorful personal life. Previously engaged to chef Koren Grieveson, she later found love with Claxton through a dating app. The couple married in a fairy tale ceremony in Cazenovia, New York, in 2020.
Their wedding featured a horse-drawn carriage, gourmet food, and heartfelt moments. Claxton’s son Javier was best man, and Burrell wore a Carolina Herrera gown. Rather than a traditional honeymoon, they chose to enjoy time in their Brooklyn apartment.
Despite professional success, Burrell had spoken about the challenges of balancing personal and public life. Her relationship with Claxton brought stability, but friends noted recent health and emotional struggles.
The culinary community mourns her as a beloved mentor, trailblazer, and friend. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched both on and off the screen. As the investigation closes, fans remember Anne Burrell not just for her talent, but for her warmth, authenticity, and resilience.