On **June 17, 2025**, police responded to a 911 call at Anne Burrell’s Brooklyn residence and discovered the 55‑year‑old chef “unconscious and unresponsive,” later confirming she had died at the scene. The New York City medical examiner has now ruled her passing a suicide, attributing it to **acute intoxication from a combination of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine and amphetamine**, as explained in an E! News report on the exam results.
Initially described as a possible cardiac arrest, responding emergency services were unable to revive Burrell, who was later pronounced dead at the scene. According to sources relayed to NBC News, toxicology showed she had ingested multiple substances—some over‑the‑counter and others prescribed—ultimately prompting the determination of a self‑inflicted overdose.
Burrell’s family delivered a tribute to the public, noting she was “a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend—her smile lit up every room she entered.” They emphasized that, though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit and boundless love remain eternal, as reported by E! News quoting the official statement.
The circumstances have struck a chord across the culinary and entertainment world. In fact, People magazine confirmed that her last public appearance was at an improv show the night before her death, where colleagues recalled she seemed joyful and energetic.
Followers of Burrell’s career remember her as the energetic host of *Worst Cooks in America* and *Secrets of a Restaurant Chef*, not to mention her early days as sous chef on *Iron Chef America*. As People’s detailed obituary recounts, she was known for her bold personality, teaching spirit and guiding mentorship both on and off camera.
The official New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that her **manner of death was suicide**, and that the substances involved were those already identified in the toxicology panel. According to ABC News coverage of the examiner’s findings, the combination of alcohol and both over‑the‑counter and prescription medications likely caused central nervous system depression.
Word of the medical findings spread quickly, as The Washington Post later outlined, Burrell was discovered with around 100 assorted pills nearby—a detail that deepened initial concern about a possible overdose.
Fox News confirmed that EMS had reported an early‑morning cardiac arrest scene, but investigators later shifted their conclusion after reviewing forensic evidence, according to Fox News Digital’s reporting on the timeline and official statements.
According to multiple outlets including NBC News, the medical examiner’s toxicology report specifically lists diphenhydramine and cetirizine (antihistamines), ethanol (alcohol), and amphetamine—a potent mix that tragically proved lethal.
The culinary community responded immediately. Fellow Food Network stars and chefs paid tribute; Tyler Florence, Alex Guarnaschelli and Elizabeth Falkner called her a cherished friend whose energy was infectious, as noted in ABC News coverage of the tributes.
A touching story emerged from Anne’s final production: her *Worst Cooks* co‑host Gabe Bertaccini revealed that, despite long filming weeks, Anne surprised him with a handmade crocheted heart card during the finale—a gesture that came to symbolize her generosity, which TV Insider and *The Sun* reported as her final gift.
Born **September 21, 1969**, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell graduated from Canisius College before training at the Culinary Institute of America, as outlined in her Wikipedia profile, and later worked in elite NYC kitchens under chefs like Lidia Bastianich. That origin story remains influential in understanding her rise through culinary prestige, shared by her official biographical entry.
Her career on television spanned decades—hosting *Secrets of a Restaurant Chef*, competing in *Chopped* and becoming a champion teacher figure on long‑running reality teach‑shows. As detailed in the obituary from People magazine, Anne also authored two cookbooks that became New York Times bestsellers and mentored countless amateur cooks.
Since the cause of death was confirmed today, resources have appeared alongside reporting: ABC News and Page Six have published crisis‑support information reminding any readers in despair to call or text suicide hotlines, including the 988 Lifeline, details provided within their coverage of the incident.
The night before she died, Anne performed improvisational comedy at Second City in Brooklyn, where colleagues noted she was vivacious and in good spirits—as cited in People and NBC reports—making the tragic outcome all the more jarring.
In the wake of her death, even as details continue to emerge, Burnell’s legacy as a bold, generous and beloved culinary figure remains indelible. Fans have launched tributes and shared memories online; media outlets remind us there are tools available for anyone affected. Today, the chef’s cause of death has been confirmed—an acute intoxication ruled suicide—and now conversations turn to grief, awareness and remembrance.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out for help—calls to 988 (US) or local crisis lines are free, confidential and available 24/7.
