Chef Anne Burrell's Heartbreaking Note Dated the Day of Her Passing at 55 Recovered — What We've Learned

A police report reveals a note left by the Food Network star before her death. What investigators found inside her home — and what her husband said — adds new context.

Chef Anne Burrell was found unresponsive inside her Brooklyn home on June 17, 2025. She was 55, and her death was ruled a suicide weeks later.

Now, a newly obtained police report reveals what investigators say was left behind in her bedroom — and the detail that adds a heartbreaking layer to the case.

Inside the Newly Released Police Report

According to a police report obtained by People, authorities found a "suicidal note" in the main bedroom of Burrell's Brooklyn home. The document was dated the morning of her death.

Investigators also reported locating "suicidal" journal entries laid out on the bed in the same room.

In the early hours of June 17, a redacted person identified in the report as someone "married to Anne" — understood to be her husband, Stuart Claxton — observed that the bed had been made, which the report noted was unusual.

Claxton later discovered Burrell on the bathroom floor "with a bunch of over the counter pills on the floor." He attempted to wake her by shaking her and slapping her face before calling 911 when she did not respond.

But what makes the report especially striking is what Claxton later told police.

He said his wife had "never attempted suicide" and had "never talked about it." He added that she showed no signs "that she would do something like this," a statement that stands in sharp contrast to what investigators say they found.

What makes that statement even more poignant is how publicly joyful Burrell's life appeared in the years leading up to her death.

A Wedding Filled with Joy

Burrell married Claxton in October 2021 in her hometown of Cazenovia, New York, as reported by People. The ceremony took place at Windridge Estates Redbarn 20 and marked her first marriage.

Ahead of the wedding, Burrell reflected on the milestone. "I can't believe it's really here. It's kind of surreal," she said. "We feel so much love and support from everyone who's coming."

The fall celebration reflected Burrell's personality and careful attention to detail. She arrived in a horse and carriage, embracing the theatrical touch despite acknowledging that some found it over the top.

Burrell made clear that the moment was important to her and that she wanted the wedding to feel personal and memorable.

She wore a Carolina Herrera gown while Claxton wore a Ralph Lauren tuxedo paired with orange Nike high-tops. Burrell said the sneakers helped give the wedding "a sense of whimsy."

Several Food Network personalities attended the event, and the menu reflected Burrell's culinary background. She acknowledged how involved she was in the planning, "The caterers, I'm sure, I've driven absolutely bonkers."

After months of preparation and a choreographed first dance, the couple chose not to take a traditional honeymoon. Instead, Burrell said, "So I'm very happy to just have some home time, and enjoy newlywed bliss at home for a little while."

As news of her passing spread, many of those who knew her personally began sharing their memories.

Colleagues Speak Out

Fellow chefs took to Instagram to share their grief and disbelief. Rachael Ray wrote, "The news about Anne has truly shaken us. John and I are heartbroken." She added, "I can't quite believe it — such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon."

Ray, who served as a bridesmaid at Burrell's 2021 wedding, also reflected on their time working together. "We've lost someone truly special," she wrote, sending love to Claxton and Burrell's loved ones.

Chef Shirley Chung shared her own message, writing, "Chef Anne, it was my honor to be able to cook next to you, thank you for all the wise words and advice." She continued, "I didn't believe this is real, I am heart broken."

Before these newly released findings, initial reports had already drawn intense public attention to the circumstances inside her home.

What Authorities Initially Reported

As previously reported, Claxton discovered her body between 6 and 7 a.m. and immediately called 911. Law enforcement sources confirmed to TMZ that "a large quantity" of unidentified pills were found around the area where Burrell's body was located.

The New York Post also reported that "dozens of pills" were present at the scene. A spokesperson for the New York City Fire Department stated the incident was reported as a cardiac arrest. Emergency responders attempted CPR, but Burrell could not be revived.

While a 911 operator reportedly advised Claxton to perform CPR, it remains unclear if he did. TMZ reported that her body was already cold when he found her. According to reports, Claxton last saw his wife alive at approximately 1 a.m. on Tuesday.

The night before her death, Burrell had performed an improv set at a local Brooklyn venue. A witness told the New York Post that she was "in great spirits" around 1 a.m., her last known public appearance.

The city medical examiner had yet to release an official cause of death. Law enforcement sources had stated it was too early to determine whether the pills played any role in her death, and there was no suspicion of foul play at the time.

Following her death, Food Network released a statement calling her "a remarkable person and culinary talent — teaching, competing, and always sharing the importance of food in her life and joy that a delicious meal can bring."

She is survived by her husband, her stepson, her brother, her sister, and her mother.

As tributes from colleagues and loved ones continued, public reaction began unfolding online.

Grief and Questions Spread Across Social Media

While some expressed suspicion, others called for restraint and respect.

One fan questioned, "In the shower? Doesn't make sense, how does he not hear her fall in the shower? I don't know just something is off." Another speculated, "Unless something really suspicious happened to her then she most likely dropped the bottle when she fell."

Another wrote, "Dozens of pills?? 💊 in the shower?? 🚿 now see this is what I was saying.. suspicious." Some fans were more direct in their suspicions, with one commenting, "No. No. No. Huge red flag. 🚩 those were planted there. IMO."

But others urged caution. Someone else added, "I wish they would leave all of this and autopsy confidential as its no one's business but the families [sic]."

Many echoed the need for evidence, not speculation. One person posted, "Unless the pills were found in her body, they didn’t play a role," while another noted, "Pills could be normal medications for someone in mid 50s."

Beyond the speculation, Anne Burrell's legacy in the culinary world remained central to how many chose to remember her.

She became a household name as the longtime host of "Worst Cooks in America" and appeared on other popular Food Network programs, including "Iron Chef America," "Chef Wanted," and "Chopped." Her series "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef" ran for nine seasons and earned her an Emmy nomination.

With her signature spiky blond hair and commanding presence in the kitchen, Burrell built a lasting career after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996 and rising through the ranks of New York City restaurants.