Last month, we reported that the Food Network star Anne Burrell died suddenly on Tuesday, June 17 at the age of 55. She was found dead on the floor of her shower surrounded by hundreds of pills in her Brooklyn, New York penthouse by her husband that morning.
Now, five weeks later, Burrell’s cause of death has finally been revealed. Sadly, it has come as devastating news to her family and fans alike.
Burrell’s Cause Of Death
People Magazine has confirmed that Burrell died by suicide. According to the New York City medical examiner’s office, the beloved celebrity chef’s official cause of death was “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.”
Diphenhydramine and cetirizine are antihistamines. Meanwhile, ethanol is typically found in alcohol. Finally, amphetamine is something that is commonly used to treat ADHD.
Burrell’s family declined to comment when contacted in the wake of her cause of death being released.
Related: Anne Burrell’s Secret Heartbreak Is Revealed After Food Network Star Is Found Dead Suddenly At 55
Burrell’s Body Is Found
Last month, a New York Police Department spokesperson told Page Six that Burrell was found unconscious in her Brooklyn penthouse at around 7:50am on June 17. She was pronounced dead at the scene soon after emergency services arrived.
It was later revealed that Burrell’s body was found “in the shower unconscious and unresponsive surrounded by approximately (100) assorted pills.” Police subsequently began investigating her death as a possible drug overdose.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family said in a statement at the time.
“Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,” the family added. “Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
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, Burrell quickly rose up the ranks at the network as she developed a fanbase who loved her for infectious personality that radiated positivity and joy.
Burrell 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.
Burrell’s final season of Worst Cooks In America is set to premiere on the Food Network at 9pm on Monday, July 28. Check out a sneak peak for that in the video below.
Burrell’s Final Hours
The night before her death, hours before her body was found, Burrell showed off her comedic skills when she performed at an improv show in Brooklyn. This was the finale of a Second City “Improv for Actors” course that she had been taking throughout the spring.
“She was having the best night,” actress Jane Margolis, a member of Burrell’s improv troupe, told People Magazine. “She’d come up with these one-liners out of the blue that were just hysterical. She really was so into it.”
“We’re all shocked and confused,” one of Burrell’s friends admitted.
Related: Sad Details Emerge About Anne Burrell’s Final Days After Food Network Star Is Found Dead At 55
Needless to say, this just makes Burrell’s suicide even more shocking. However, it also serves as a reminder that you never really know what someone is going through behind the scenes. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes the people who seem the happiest that are suffering the most inside.
Rest in peace, Anne Burrell.
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