Newly unveiled police documents have cast additional light on the perplexing circumstances surrounding the untimely demise of celebrity chef Anne Burrell, who died at the age of 55 in June 2025.
According to a report obtained by PEOPLE, investigators discovered a handwritten “suicidal note” in the primary bedroom of Burrell’s Brooklyn residence, providing critical insight into the heartbreaking episode.
Alongside the note, authorities uncovered multiple diary entries described as “suicidal,” arranged on the bed in the same room.
The New York Police Department confirmed that in the early hours of June 17, 2025, Burrell’s husband, Stuart Claxton, noticed the bed had been meticulously made an unusual occurrence in his experience.
Claxton subsequently found Burrell on the bathroom floor, surrounded by numerous over-the-counter pills. He reportedly attempted resuscitation by shaking and slapping her before urgently calling 911 when she remained unresponsive.
Claxton informed authorities that his wife had never previously attempted self-harm or exhibited any behaviors suggestive of suicidal intent.
Emergency medical personnel arrived at approximately 7:50 a.m. local time and pronounced Burrell deceased on the scene.
The New York City Medical Examiner later classified her death as a suicide, citing “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.” Police documents indicate that approximately 100 assorted pills were found in proximity to her.
Anne Burrell, renowned for her enduring role on Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America, had met Claxton via the dating app Bumble in 2018, and the couple married on October 16, 2021.
She is survived by her husband, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, her sister Jane and Jane’s children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, as well as her brother Ben.
In the aftermath of her passing, Burrell’s family released a poignant statement:
"Anne was a cherished wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend her radiant smile illuminated every space she entered. Her influence transcended those she knew personally, touching millions worldwide. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, indomitable spirit, and boundless compassion endure eternally."
The tragic event has reignited discourse surrounding mental health, emotional well-being, and substance misuse.
Mental health professionals urge anyone experiencing distress, suicidal ideation, or emotional instability to seek immediate assistance by calling or texting 988, or visiting 988lifeline.org, which offers round-the-clock support.
