Anne Burrell: Death by Suicide
Anne Burrell, a celebrity chef and the star of Food Network, died June 17, 2025, in her home in Brooklyn, New York, at the age of 55.
Her cause of death was officially determined as a suicide by the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on July 24, 2025, because of acute intoxication with a combination of diphenhydramine, cetirizine, ethanol, and amphetamine. She was discovered in her shower in an unconscious state and 100 reflective pills around her.
A poignant family statement read that she was a “wonderful wife, sister, daughter, stepmother and friend with a smile that is going to light up every room she entered” and followed by, “She is gone, but her warmth, spirit and endless love will live on forever”.
Fans, people in the industry and fellow chefs were devastated.
Highlights and Legacy
Anne Burrell established an illustrious food career. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America and was employed in the top-quality New York kitchens, including Felidia and Savoy, as well as by Lidia Bastianich.
She made her TV debut as a sous chef on Iron Chef America, and later became the star of her own Emmy-nominated series, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which had nine seasons and began in 2008. Anne was most recognized as the mentor and host of 27 seasons of the hit show, Worst Cooks in America, her tough‑love approach and personality endeared her to the fans.
. The last season, Worst Cooks in America: Talented and Terrible, which was shot before her death, will air in the near future.
She has also been a contestant on Chopped, Chef Wanted and most recently the competition show House of Knives, which started in March 2025.
. In addition to the TV, Anne has written two cookbooks, which are both bestsellers: Cook Like a Rock Star (2011) and Own Your Kitchen (2013).
Mental Health Awareness & Community Response
Condolences flowed on social media and among other chefs such as Tyler Florence, Bobby Flay, Alex Guarnaschelli and Maneet Chauhan, who all noted her effervescence and her impact on the food world and as a teacher.
A tribute was made on the Food Network, and fans watched curated episodes of Worst Cooks in America on June 25 in a tribute to her before the premiere of her final season.
Anne died, prompting new demands to do more to raise awareness and provide support, with mental health groups making the case that available resources are paramount, such as hotline information in the United States, which is 988.
The death of Anne Burrell on June 17, 2025, at the age of 55 was recorded as suicide through the acute intoxication by the combination of medications and alcohol. Her premature death was an eye opener to her family members, followers and the cookery fraternity. She leaves us with a legacy of burning desire to teach, cook, and entertain culinary-wise; but also with the memory of the unseen, behind-the-scenes battles of the public personas.
You are not alone and if you or someone you know is struggling. Assistance can be found.
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