New Details Emerge on Chef Anne Burrell's Suicide

Police report reveals Burrell left a "suicidal note" before her death by suicide last June.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 10:39am

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Nearly a year after celebrity chef Anne Burrell was found dead in her Brooklyn home, new details have emerged about the circumstances surrounding her suicide. According to a police report, authorities discovered a "suicidal note" in Burrell's primary bedroom, as well as journal entries indicating suicidal thoughts. The medical examiner ruled Burrell's cause of death as acute intoxication due to a combination of medications and alcohol.

Why it matters

Burrell's death by suicide has shocked the culinary community, as she was a beloved TV personality known for her spunky persona and culinary expertise. The new details provide insight into Burrell's mental state leading up to her tragic passing and raise awareness about the importance of addressing mental health issues, even among high-profile individuals.

The details

The police report states that an investigator found a "suicidal note" in Burrell's primary bedroom, as well as "suicidal" journal entries on her bed. The medical examiner determined that Burrell's cause of death was acute intoxication due to a combination of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine. Burrell's husband, Stuart Claxton, told police that Burrell had no history of suicide attempts and had not shown any signs that she would take her own life.

  • Burrell was found dead in her Brooklyn, New York home on June 17, 2025.
  • The following month, in July 2025, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in New York City ruled the manner of Burrell's death as suicide.

The players

Anne Burrell

A celebrity chef known for her appearances on the Food Network, including "Iron Chef America," "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef," and "Worst Cooks in America." Burrell died by suicide in June 2025 at the age of 55.

Stuart Claxton

Burrell's husband, who found her unresponsive on the bathroom floor and attempted to revive her before calling 911.

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What they’re saying

“Burrell had 'never attempted suicide in the past,' nor had she shown 'any signs that she would do something like this.'”

— Stuart Claxton, Burrell's husband

The takeaway

Burrell's tragic death highlights the need for greater awareness and support for mental health issues, even among high-profile individuals. Her passing serves as a reminder that anyone can struggle with suicidal thoughts, and that seeking help and addressing mental health concerns should be a priority for all.