Investigators in death of celebrity chef Anne Burrell found 'suicidal note' in room after she died

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

A police report has detailed new information surrounding Anne Burrell’s death, including a suicide note that was reportedly found by authorities.

The celebrity chef tragically died in June 2025 aged 55, with her devastated family confirming her sad passing in a statement.

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” the statement read.

“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.”

Officers from the New York Police Department found Burrell ‘unconscious and unresponsive’ and the chef was pronounced dead at the scene.

The celebrity chef was just 55 (Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for NYCWFF)

The much-loved chef had taken up improv comedy and had performed at The Second City venue in New York's Brooklyn prior to her death.

Now, more information regarding Burrell's passing has been released with investigators saying they found a ‘suicide note’ and a ‘sucidal’ journal in Burell’s bedroom in Brookyln, as per a new police report obtained by People.

A redacted individual ‘married to Anne’, likely Burrell’s husband, Stuart Claxton, stated the celebrity chef had ‘never attempted suicide in the past and has never talked about it’ and said his wife had never shown ‘any signs that she would do something like this that he has witnessed’, as per the police report.

The documentation also stated Burrell ‘used cocaine in the past but that was a few years ago’.

The New York City medical examiner's office has since ruled Burrell’s death as suicide because of ‘acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine’.

Anne Burrell died last June (Stephanie Augello/Variety via Getty Images)

Tributes flooded in for Burrell after her sudden passing, including the Food Network, who are behind Burrell’s hit show Worst Cooks in America.

They said in a statement: “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."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].

If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.