Was Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell’s Sudden Death at 55 Linked to Drug Overdose?

Food Network star was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home, autopsy results pending as police probe overdose theory

June 21, 2025 – The untimely death of celebrity chef Anne Burrell, aged 55, is now being investigated by the New York City Police Department as a possible drug overdose, sources confirmed on Friday.

Burrell, known for her fiery presence on Worst Cooks in America and Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, was found unresponsive on the shower floor of her Brooklyn residence around 7:50 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, by her husband Stuart Claxton. She was pronounced dead on arrival by emergency responders shortly after he made a frantic 911 call.

Also Read: Anne Burrell Remembered Fondly by Food Network Stars, Celebrity Chefs After Sudden Death at 55

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💊 Pills, CPR Attempts, and Cardiac Arrest

Sources told The Post and TMZ that dozens of pills — approximately 100 — were found near her body, suggesting a potential overdose. Claxton, instructed to perform CPR by emergency dispatch, reportedly told responders she was already cold and unresponsive.

The FDNY confirmed that Burrell had suffered cardiac arrest, though the New York City medical examiner’s office has completed an autopsy, and the official cause and manner of death remain pending.

Also Read: Anne Burrell Was ‘Happy and Joyful’ at Improv Show She Attended Just Hours Before Her Shocking Death

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🕯️ Final Hours and Public Statement

Just hours before her death, Burrell attended an improv comedy show at The Second City New York on Monday night.

“Her enthusiasm was contagious, her presence unforgettable,” a spokesperson for the venue shared. “Anne brought joy, boldness, and an unwavering ‘yes, and’ spirit.”

Her grieving family released a heartfelt statement following the news:

“Her smile lit up every room she entered. 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.”

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🧑‍🍳 Remembering Anne Burrell

Anne Burrell was a beloved culinary television personality, chef, and cookbook author known for her signature spiked blond hair, high energy, and straight-talking kitchen demeanor. She rose to fame through her appearances on the Food Network, including Beat Bobby Flay and Iron Chef America, and was also a culinary educator.

Burrell married Stuart Claxton in 2021 and is survived by him and his son, Javier, her stepson.

Also Read: Celebrity Chef and Food Network Star Anne Burrell Dead at 55: 911 Caller Reported Cardiac Arrest

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Anne Burrell death, Anne Burrell overdose, Anne Burrell autopsy, Stuart Claxton, Food Network chef death, Worst Cooks in America, celebrity overdose 2025, New York celebrity news, Brooklyn