People Do Not Believe the Official Cause of Death of Anne Burrell at 55 – Here's Why

Anne Burrell's cause of death has been officially determined. However, unusual details from the scene and a wave of online skepticism are drawing renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding the celebrity chef's final moments.

The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has ruled Anne Burrell's death a suicide. The news comes nearly five weeks after the "Food Network" star's demise.

According to a report published by The New York Times on July 24, 2025, the cause of death was listed as "acute intoxication" due to a combination of alcohol, amphetamine, and antihistamines.

The official ruling has prompted widespread reactions online. Many social media followers are questioning the circumstances surrounding her passing.

One Facebooker wrote, "This just seems so off to me! Yes I know they can hide behind a mask! But she seemed to absolutely love life! She seemed to enjoy it! And why were the pills still around her when she was in the shower?? Wouldnt they have melted away or disappeared from the water… this is so crazy to me [sic]!"

Another person commented, "Who takes a shower, dies in the shower and is surrounded by pills in the shower. Sounds to me like it was suspicious and nefarious." "Something smells fishy i don't believe she did [sic]," divulged another netizen.

A third Facebooker added, "Sounds strange... no way, doesn't make sense. Throw pills all over the bathroom floor and then get undressed and get in the shower? Sounds very suspicious....."

Others also shared doubts about the official cause. "I hope the family asks for an investigation. She doesn't seem like a person that would kill herself," someone remarked.

Another individual noted, "Suicide seems to be furthest from the truth. I believe she took her prescribed meds as Dr directed and then accidentally killed herself [sic]..."

Burrell died on the morning of Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at her home in Brooklyn, New York. Her representatives confirmed the news in a statement shared with People.

"Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered. 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," read the statement.

She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married on October 16, 2021, and his son, Javier. She is also survived by her mother, Marlene; her sister, Jane; her children, Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas; and her brother, Ben.

Burrell met Claxton in 2018 through the dating app Bumble. In 2023, she spoke to People about their marriage. "I have to say, I love being married," she said at City Harvest's 40th Anniversary Gala. "We're together all the time because Stuart works from home. It's the being together all the time, but it's also the adventure together."

Burrell gained fame as the longtime host of "Worst Cooks in America," where she coached contestants with little kitchen experience.

She became known for her spiky platinum hair, bold presence, and strong culinary knowledge. Her energetic personality and skill set earned her a devoted fan base.

She was born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York. Inspired by her mother's cooking and the influence of Julia Child, she developed a passion for food early.

Burrell studied English and Communication at Canisius College before attending the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1996. She furthered her training at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, with a focus on Italian cooking techniques.

After returning to New York City, Burrell worked at several well-known restaurants, including Felidia under Lidia Bastianich and Savoy in Soho, where she gained experience in Mediterranean cuisine. She later became a teacher at the Institute of Culinary Education and moved into television.

Her TV debut came as a sous chef on "Iron Chef America." She later hosted her own Emmy-nominated show, "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef," which aired in 2008 and ran for nine seasons.

Burrell also appeared in "Chef Wanted," "Chopped," "Food Network Star," and, most recently, "House of Knives," which premiered in March 2025.

She published two cookbooks during her career: "Cook Like a Rock Star" in 2011, which became a New York Times bestseller, and "Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower."

In addition to her culinary work, Burrell was active in charitable efforts. She served on the advisory board of the Garden of Dreams Foundation, supported the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as a celebrity ambassador, and worked with City Harvest's Food Council.

The official ruling has clarified the medical cause of Anne Burrell's death, but the circumstances continue to raise questions among the public as her life and legacy remain in focus.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.