Earlier this week, we reported that the Food Network star Anne Burrell died suddenly on Tuesday at the age of 55. She was found dead on the floor of her shower in her Brooklyn, New York penthouse that morning.
Now, the investigation into Burrell’s death has taken a tragic turn. Indeed, Daily Mail has confirmed that her death is being investigated as a possible drug overdose.
Burrell’s Death Probe Takes A Tragic Turn
Burrell was found dead by her husband Stuart Claxton in the shower in the bathroom of their Brooklyn, New York penthouse at around 7:50am on Tuesday. Claxton had last seen Burrell alive at around 1am before finding her body six to seven hours later.
NYPD documents obtained by The New York Times state that Burrell was found “in the shower unconscious and unresponsive surrounded by approximately (100) assorted pills.”
EMS crews performed CPR on Burell, but to no avail. Burrell was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene. A spokesperson for the city’s medical examiner’s office has revealed that an autopsy on Burrell’s body has been completed. However, a cause of death is still pending at this time.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” Burrell’s family said in a statement. “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.”
Backstory: Food Network Star Anne Burrell Found Dead At 55 – Sad Details Emerge
Burrell’s Final Hours
The night before Burrell’s death, she had performed in an improv show in New York City. She’d been taking improv classes for months, and had been open about greatly enjoying them.
“I just started taking acting classes. I started yesterday, actually… It’s like an improv for actors’ class,” Burrell said while being interviewed on Tori Spelling’s misSPELLING podcast back in March. “I got there and it’s like eight people in the class. I’m the oldest one. Every other person has like, ‘Oh, I have a master’s in fine arts in theater.'”
“I’m like, ‘okay, I’ve never taken an acting class. I don’t know, this is new to me,'” she continued. “I wonder if these delightful and super talented kids look at me and they’re like, ‘What’s this old lady doing here?'”
When asked why she decided to try improv, Burrell replied, “I can cook, yes, I can do TV, but also, what else? I’ve got more to do in my life, I feel like.”
When it came to pivoting to acting, Burrell admitted that she was just “dipping my toe” into the craft.
“I feel very excited about it,” Burrell concluded. “I’ve got a few other things that I’m working on as well, which I’m not quite ready to share yet. Hopefully, exciting [are] things coming.”
Burrell’s History
Burrell got her start as a teacher at the Institute of Culinary Education in the early 2000s. She would go on to become a Food Network star. Indeed, she appeared on shows like Iron Chef America, Chef Wanted, Chopped and Worst Cooks in America. Most recently, Burrell was featured on the competition series House of Knives in March of 2025.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning,” the Food Network said in a statement posted to Instagram. “Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent – teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring. Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”
Burrell is survived by Claxton and his son Javier from a previous marriage. She is also survived by her mother, two siblings, two nieces, and a nephew. Please join us in saying a prayer for them during this tragic time.
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