Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell's Cause of Death Revealed, Not a Heart Attack

Liputan6.com, Jakarta The American culinary and entertainment world mourned the death of celebrity chef Anne Burrell.

The Food Network star passed away on June 17, 2025, at the age of 55.

Anne Burrell's death was initially shrouded in mystery, with initial speculation suggesting a heart attack.

She was found unconscious in the bathroom of her Brooklyn, New York, home early in the morning by her husband, Stuart Claxton.

This discovery sparked a thorough investigation by authorities to determine the exact cause of her sudden death.

After approximately five weeks of intensive investigation, the New York City Medical Examiner's Office finally announced the official cause of Anne Burrell's death on July 24, 2025.

The autopsy results shocked many, ruling her death a suicide due to acute intoxication.

Anne Burrell's death was first reported on Tuesday morning, June 17, 2025, at approximately 7:50 a.m. local time.

Her husband, Stuart Claxton, discovered his wife's unconscious body on the bathroom floor of their home in Brooklyn, New York.

This discovery was immediately reported to authorities.

In the early days following her death, the exact cause of death of the chef known for her spiky blonde hair had not been officially announced.

Various media reports and initial speculation pointed to a heart attack as the cause of death.

However, authorities confirmed that an investigation was ongoing to determine the truth.

This situation raised many questions among fans and fellow chefs.

They anxiously awaited the results of the official investigation that would shed light on what truly happened to one of television's culinary icons.

The uncertainty surrounding Anne Burrell's cause of death was a major focus of the news.

The public's anticipation was finally answered on July 24, 2025, when the New York City Medical Examiner's Office released the official ruling regarding Anne Burrell's cause of death.

The announcement stated that her death was classified as a suicide.

This ruling dismissed initial speculation of a heart attack.

The cause of death was specifically described as "acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine."

This combination of substances was found in Burrell's system.

Diphenhydramine and cetirizine are known antihistamines, often used to treat allergies.

Meanwhile, ethanol is a compound found in alcohol, and amphetamine is commonly used in the treatment of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

This combination of substances caused the acute intoxication.

Burrell's family declined to comment on the announcement of the cause of death.

Before her passing, Anne Burrell was widely recognized as one of the most charismatic and influential celebrity chefs on American television.

A former instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, she began her television career as a sous chef on "Iron Chef America" in 2005.

Her popularity soared thanks to her hosting roles on various Food Network programs.

Among her popular shows was "Worst Cooks in America," where she mentored individuals with poor cooking skills to improve.

She also hosted the Emmy-nominated "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef," and appeared regularly on "Chef Wanted," "Chopped," and "Food Network Star."

Anne Burrell's final television appearance was on April 9, 2025, on the "Today" show, where she enthusiastically demonstrated how to prepare chicken Milanese.

She also recently competed on the Food Network show "House of Knives," which premiered in March 2025, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the culinary world.