(NEXSTAR) — Celebrity chef Anne Burrell’s death has been ruled a suicide, authorities confirmed Thursday.
Representatives told Nexstar that Burrell, 55, was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive in her New York home in June. A 911 call report obtained by PEOPLE showed first responders were initially called to Burrell’s home about a suspected cardiac arrest. Reports later indicated that Burrell may have died of a possible drug overdose.
On Thursday, the New York City medical examiner’s office confirmed to Nexstar that it had ruled Burrell died by suicide. Her death was labeled as “acute intoxication” from the antihistamines diphenhydramine and cetirizine; ethanol, which can be found in alcohol; and amphetamine, which can be used to treat ADHD.
The New York Times previously obtained a document explaining that Burrell had been found unconscious and unresponsive in the shower, “surrounded by approximately [100] assorted pills.”
Burrell was well-known for her appearances on multiple Food Network shows. She grew up in upstate New York and attended Canisius College in Buffalo, earning a degree in English and communications, her Food Network biography reads. She later attended the Culinary Institute of America and the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners. Burrell used that knowledge to work in some of New York City’s top restaurants.
She spent more than three years teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education before returning to restaurant life, according to a statement from her representation.
Burrell made her Food Network debut on “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef.” She and her iconic spiky hair quickly became fan-favorites, and she went on to appear in multiple shows on the network. That includes participating as a competitor on “Iron Chef America,” a judge on “Chef Wanted,” the host of “Worst Cooks in America,” and as a guest star on “Beat Bobby Flay.” You may also recognize her from “Chopped,” “Food Network Star,” and “House of Knives.”
Burrell’s work can also be found on bookshelves. She wrote two cookbooks, “Cook Like a Rock Star” and “Own Your Kitchen,” both of which became New York Times best-sellers.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” Burrell’s family said in a statement shared with Nexstar last month. “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.”
Recently, Burrell had been partnering with CareRite Centers to bring a Signature Culinary Excellence program to the company’s rehabilitation and nursing centers to “[redefine] what it means to dine well while healing.” Press releases show she had worked with facilities in Florida, Tennessee, New Jersey, and New York this year.
She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in 2021. They share a son, Javier, from Claxton’s previous marriage.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline anytime at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK.
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