Celebrity chef Anne Burrell, beloved host of Worst Cooks in America, tragically passed away at 55. Medical examiners confirm her death was a suicide by acute intoxication. Read how the culinary world and fans are paying tribute.

A Culinary Icon Gone Too Soon

On June 17, 2025, iconic chef Anne Burrell was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home. She was 55. Today, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed her death as a suicide, resulting from acute intoxication due to a mix of diphenhydramine, cetirizine, ethanol, and amphetamine The Economic Times+15ABC News+15The Washington Post+15.

This devastating news has left fans and the culinary community reeling with grief.

A Vibrant Life Cut Short

Anne rose from humble beginnings in upstate New York to become a household name. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996, she spent years honing her skills in elite kitchens before rising to fame on Iron Chef America, and later hosting Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and the beloved series Worst Cooks in America for more than a decade New York PostThe Washington Post+5EW.com+5Wikipedia+5.

She was known for her spiky platinum hair, boundless energy, and a tough-but-loving mentorship style that empowered novice cooks across the U.S.

☑️ Cause of Death Confirmed by Medical Examiner

Initially, responders treated her case as a cardiac emergency. She was found by her husband, Stuart Claxton, lying in the shower with approximately 100 pills nearby. The NYPD documents and toxicology reports suggested a multi-drug overdose. Now officially ruled a suicide, the substances included antihistamines, alcohol, and an amphetamine, which together proved lethal IndiatimesABC News+7Good Morning America+7The Daily Beast+7.

️ Tributes Pour In From Food & Celebrity Icons

As the news broke, heartfelt tributes came flooding in from fellow chefs and friends:

• Bobby Flay shared fond memories and gratitude for her mentorship and friendship Facebook+15The Cut+15Facebook+15.

• Rachael Ray, Tyler Florence, Alex Guarnaschelli, and many others remembered her as “vibrant, generous, and fearless” in posts and interviews ABC7 Los Angeles+2The Cut+2Good Morning America+2.

• Food Network issued an emotional statement honoring her legacy as both a culinary talent and a caring teacher WBAL.

Her family described her warmth and spirit as having “radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world” ABC7 Los Angeles+12People.com+12The Daily Beast+12.

A Final Tribute to Anne’s Legacy

Anne’s final public appearance was at a comedy improv show in Brooklyn on June 16, where she reportedly dazzled the crowd — full of laughter and in high spirits Indiatimes+8People.com+8foxnews.com+8.

She leaves behind her husband Stuart, stepson Javier, her mother Marlene, sister Jane, and brother Ben The Daily Beast+10People.com+10The Cut+10.

In response to her loss, many have emphasized the importance of mental health awareness, encouraging anyone in crisis to reach out to trained counselors via the 988 Lifeline