More than five weeks after Anne Burrell was found dead in her Brooklyn home, the New York City medical examiner has revealed her official cause of death. The beloved Food Network chef and TV personality died by suicide, according to a newly released toxicology report. Her death had been under investigation since June 17, when she was found unresponsive at around 7:50 a.m. and pronounced dead at the scene.
The report cites “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.” Diphenhydramine and cetirizine are antihistamines, ethanol is found in alcohol, and amphetamines are typically prescribed for ADHD. The combination proved fatal.
The 55-year-old chef had appeared cheerful and energetic in a final Instagram post just five days before her passing, leading fans to believe everything was normal. But her absence from the latest season of Worst Cooks in America, which she had hosted from 2010 to 2024, had already raised questions among her long-time followers. Neither the network nor Burrell ever addressed the change.
Burrell’s family released a heartfelt statement following her death, calling her a “beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend.” They remembered her for a light that “radiated far beyond those she knew” and added that her “warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
The Food Network also expressed its grief, saying Burrell was “a remarkable person and culinary talent,” who shared the importance of food with joy and passion.
Her death has reignited discussions around mental health in high-pressure industries, especially within the food world where personal struggles are often masked behind smiles.
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