New details surrounding Anne Burrell’s untimely death are being revealed.
Us Weekly confirmed on Thursday, July 24, that Burrell died by suicide.
Burrell was found on June 17 at her home in Brooklyn, New York. She was 55.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family said in a statement to Us Weekly at the time. “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.”
Days later, a report published by The New York Times cited an internal document and noted that the New York City Police Department was investigating whether a possible drug overdose caused her death. The document noted that Burrell was “discovered in the shower unconscious and unresponsive surrounded by approximately (100) assorted pills.”
Anne Burrell Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for NYCWFF
Food Network viewers met Burrell in 2005 as a sous chef on Iron Chef America. She later appeared on the Emmy-nominated show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which premiered in 2008 and ran for nine seasons.
Her most prominent role on the Food Network came when she began hosting Worst Cooks in America, in which she served as a mentor to new kitchen hopefuls hoping to become capable cooks.
“I feel that your food knows how you’re feeling when you cook it and it reacts accordingly. I like to put happy and joy into my food, and it’s not so serious,” Burrell told the Tasting Table in April. “I teach the worst cooks in the world. I mean, you got to know how to do that. So, to me, I want to express to people, ‘Take the fear factor out of it and put the fun factor in.’”
Anne Burrell Santiago Felipe/Getty Images
Prior to her death, the Culinary Institute of America graduate continued to prove just how much she loves and appreciates food.
Five days before her death was announced, Burrell experienced a memorable meal from Chef Elizabeth Falkner in New York City.
“Great time eating @cheffalkner Mexican inspired dishes @sohohouse #onenightonlydinner by @thebillyharris,” she wrote via Instagram on June 12. “Bumped into some old friends including @chefanneburrell who made my night reminiscing about Brooklyn. Thanks Billy!!! #chefslife #realcooks.”
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Away from any kitchen, Burrell was married to Stuart Claxton. The pair first met on the dating app Bumble in 2018 before getting married three years later.
In October 2024, the couple celebrated their three-year wedding anniversary with a date night at a taping of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.
“Celebrating our third anniversary last night!!!” she wrote via Instagram at the time. “@stuartclaxton and I are guest hosting @colbertlateshow !!! JUST KIDDING!!! Thank you @jefftvpro for arranging the tix!! Happy anniversary my sweet- here’s to 3 years and 100 more. ❤️❤️❤️🥂🍾 #theclaxtons #ilovewhatido #luckygirl.”
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