Celebrity chef Anne Burrell's cause of death confirmed as suicide

The cause of Anne Burrell's death has been ruled as a suicide.

Burrell sudden passing came as a huge shock after news broke that she'd died at the age of 55 on June 17.

The celebrity chef was best known for hosting shows like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America, with her first TV appearance dating back to 2005.

In the wake of her death, Burrell's heartbroken family issued a statement that described her as 'a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend'.

"Her smile lit up every room she entered," the moving statement went on. "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."

Burrell is survived by her husband of four years, Sturart Claxton, her stepson Javier, and her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.

Anne Burrell passed away on June 17, 2025 (Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images)

The Food Network, which aired many of the TV shows that Burrell starred on, also praised her in a tribute in which they called her death a ‘tremendous loss’.

In the days that following Burrell's untimely death is was reported that her passing was being investigated as a possible drug overdose.

Now, five weeks on, and the New York City medical examiner's office has sadly determined her death to be a suicide. Initially it was believed that she may have died as a result of a cardiac arrest.

Burrell's death is said to have been caused by 'acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine', PEOPLE reports.

Burrell's death has been ruled as a suicide by a medical examiner (Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)

Heartbreaking details about the hours leading up to Burrell's death have emerged which described the celebrity chef as being 'in great spirits'.

The same could be said about Burrell's final Instagram post where she shared a joyful-looking photo alongside the New York icon known as 'The Green Lady of Brooklyn'.

She wrote next to the happy snap: "I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! I’m not going to lie- I have been keeping an eye out for her. I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!!"

If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.