Superstar chef and longtime Meals Community host Anne Burrell died by suicide, in response to a ruling from the New York Metropolis Workplace of the Chief Medical Examiner. The 55-year-old was discovered useless in her Brooklyn condominium on June 17.
The official explanation for demise was listed as acute intoxication from the mixed results of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine. The substances embody alcohol, prescription amphetamines, and two widespread over-the-counter antihistamines. Emergency responders pronounced Burrell useless on the scene after being known as to her residence that morning.
In line with regulation enforcement officers conversant in the case, Burrell was found unresponsive within the bathe alongside quite a few tablets, indicating a suspected overdose. The New York Police Division had been investigating the case as a doable suicide previous to the official ruling.
Burrell was well known for her position as co-host of “Worst Cooks in America,” a contest collection aimed toward educating kitchen novices primary culinary expertise. Identified for her vibrant persona and signature platinum-blonde hair, Burrell grew to become a staple on the Meals Community over the previous twenty years.
In January, Burrell didn’t return to co-host the most recent season of “Worst Cooks in America,” although no motive was given publicly. After her passing, the community confirmed it will air her last season, co-hosted with chef Gabe Bertaccini.
Born on Sept. 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell first appeared on tv in 2005 as a sous chef on “Iron Chef America” earlier than launching her personal Emmy-nominated collection, “Secrets and techniques of a Restaurant Chef,” in 2008.
Her ardour for cooking was impressed by her household and early tv meals icons. After incomes a level in English and communications from Canisius Faculty, she graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996. Burrell went on to show on the Institute of Culinary Schooling in New York Metropolis earlier than transitioning absolutely into tv.
Along with her tv work, Burrell authored two cookbooks and appeared on quite a few Meals Community applications, together with “Chopped,” “Chef Wished,” and “Meals Community Star.” Her most up-to-date mission, “Home of Knives,” premiered in March 2025.
She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in 2021, alongside together with his son, Javier; her mom, Marlene; her siblings; and a number of other stepchildren.
“Anne was a exceptional individual and culinary expertise—educating, competing, and all the time sharing the significance of meals in her life and the enjoyment {that a} scrumptious meal can carry,” Meals Community stated in a statement following Burrell’s demise. “Our ideas are with Anne’s household, associates, and followers throughout this time of great loss.”
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