What if a beloved celebrity chef's battle with mental health was hidden behind her vibrant personality and culinary triumphs? Tragically, that’s the reality as we mourn the loss of Chef Anne Burrell, who died by suicide at her Brooklyn home on June 17, 2023.

It’s been over five weeks since the news broke when police found Burrell “unconscious and unresponsive.” The City of New York Office of Chief Medical Examiner has concluded its investigation, officially labeling her death a suicide. This shocking revelation has left the culinary community and her fans reeling.

The medical examiner's report detailed that Burrell succumbed to “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.” As we navigate through this heartbreaking news, it’s a reminder of the silent struggles many face, even those who shine brightly in the public eye.

Burrell, known for her warm personality and culinary expertise, leaves behind her husband, Stuart Claxton, married in October 2021, and his son, Javier. She is also survived by her beloved family members, including her mother, Marlene; her sister, Jane; and Jane’s children, Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, as well as her brother, Ben.

As a co-host on Food Network's “Worst Cooks in America,” Burrell's influence in the culinary world was unmistakable. Fellow chefs and friends, including Tyler Florence and Alex Guarnaschelli, took to social media to share heartfelt tributes, recalling cherished memories and expressing profound grief over her sudden passing.

Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell's love for cooking ignited as a child, inspired by her mother’s delicious home-cooked meals and the legendary Julia Child. She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996 and enhanced her skills at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, where her passion for Italian cuisine flourished through various apprenticeships.

Returning to the U.S. in 1998, Burrell worked with culinary giants like Lidia Bastianich and took the reins at Savoy in SoHo, crafting incredible Mediterranean dishes over an open wood fire. After a successful stint in the restaurant scene, she made a pivotal shift to educating budding chefs at the Institute of Culinary Education.

Her television career kicked off as a sous chef on “Iron Chef America,” leading to her own Emmy-nominated series, “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” which captivated audiences for nine seasons. Renowned for her appearances on shows like “Chopped” and “Food Network Star,” she recently competed in “House of Knives” in 2025, marking her legacy as a Food Network staple.

Burrell also authored two cookbooks, including the New York Times bestseller “Cook Like a Rock Star,” which showcased her vibrant personality and culinary skills. Although her final appearance as a mentor in “Worst Cooks in America” is set to air on July 28, 2023, the culinary world will feel her absence deeply.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, remember that help is available. You can reach out to the national lifeline at 988 for confidential support 24/7.