Celebrity chef Anne Burrell's death reportedly being investigated as drug overdose as tragic new details emerge
New details have emerged over the tragic death of former Food Network star Anne Burrell.
The 55-year-old chef passed away on Tuesday (June 17), inside her New York apartment - six months after a possible conflict emerged between herself and the producers of her hit show Worst Cooks in America.
In January, Food Network released its 28th season of the reality TV show, but without Burrell - who responded to one fan on January 10 when asked why she wasn't appearing on it. She replied: "Honestly I don’t know."
Now, New York City Police Department believe her death could have been as a result of a possible 'drug overdose', according to documents seen by The New York Times.
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It read: "[Burrell was] discovered in the shower unconscious and unresponsive surrounded by approximately (100) assorted pills."
She was pronounced dead at the scene when paramedics reached her home.
While a spokesperson for the medical examiner's office has said an autopsy had been completed but the findings and cause of her death were still pending.
Following her death, Burrell's family penned a heartfelt statement announcing the news of her death.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” it read.
“Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,” Burrell’s loved ones added. “Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
Just days before her passing, Burrell shared a smiley Instagram picture with the New York icon known as 'The Green Lady of Brooklyn'.
What was once a happy post has since been inundated with tributes to the late TV star.
Burrell is survived by children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, her husband Stuart Claxton, and her stepson Javier.
It was Claxton who discovered Burrell in their New York apartment. Reportedly, he last saw his wife at 1am on June 17, TMZ reports, to discover her unconscious, cold body in the shower six or seven hours later.
Sources who spoke to the publication said that when Claxton called 911, he was advised to perform CPR on his wife of four years.
While Burrell's cause of death is yet to be revealed, it's believed that the 55-year-old may have died of a cardiac arrest, per a rep from the NYC Fire Department.
In the wake of Burrell's untimely passing, the Food Network have paid tribute to the celebrity chef.
It said: "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."
While Burrell is best known for being a chef, she has a degree in English and Communications. It was after getting the qualification from Canisius College in Buffalo that she decided to go to culinary school to pursue her dreams of becoming a chef.
She attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park and graduated in 1996.
Burrell proceeded to work at a host of popular New York City establishments before kicking off her TV career in 2004 on Iron Chef America.
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Joe Yates