Anne Burrell’s sudden death tied to possible overdose of 100 pills in the bathroom of her Brooklyn house: NYPD
Saloni Jha | Jul 12, 2025, 18:04 IST
Highlight of the story: Culinary star Anne Burrell, 55, was found dead in her Brooklyn home, with an NYPD report revealing she was surrounded by around 100 assorted pills. While the official cause of death is pending, the discovery has raised concerns of a possible overdose.
The food world is reeling from the devastating news of chef and television personality Anne Burrell’s sudden passing. The 55-year-old star, known for her fiery presence on Worst Cooks in America, was found unconscious and unresponsive on the morning of Tuesday, June 17, in the shower of her Brooklyn apartment.
According to an internal NYPD document viewed by The New York Times, the scene was harrowing, Burrell was found surrounded by approximately 100 assorted pills. Emergency responders rushed to the location just before 8:00 a.m., but despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Though an autopsy has been performed, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has yet to release an official cause or manner of death. The presence of so many pills has raised immediate fears of a possible overdose, though authorities have not yet confirmed this as the cause.
Just the night before her passing, Burrell performed improv for the first time at Second City New York. The troupe paid tribute to her spirit, saying she brought “joy, boldness, and an unwavering ‘yes, and’ energy.”
Friends say Burrell had been exploring new paths, creatively and personally. Chef Elizabeth Falkner shared that Burrell seemed at peace and was working on being more present in friendships. Meanwhile, Andrew Zimmern, who had collaborated with her earlier this year, described her as full of drive and optimism about upcoming projects.
Burrell’s sudden death left fans heartbroken. Tributes from celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Duff Goldman flooded social media. Goldman recalled once baking a cake for her that read, “Don’t let the bastards win,” and said she truly never did.
Her family described her as someone whose light and warmth reached far beyond those she personally knew. “Anne’s smile lit up every room she entered,” they said in a statement.
Burrell is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton and her stepson. A memorial service was held on June 20 at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel in Manhattan.
Anne Burrell found uncons
The Anne Burrell’s death mystery surrounded by 100 pills
According to an internal NYPD document viewed by The New York Times, the scene was harrowing, Burrell was found surrounded by approximately 100 assorted pills. Emergency responders rushed to the location just before 8:00 a.m., but despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Anne Burrell | Credit: In
Though an autopsy has been performed, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has yet to release an official cause or manner of death. The presence of so many pills has raised immediate fears of a possible overdose, though authorities have not yet confirmed this as the cause.
Anne Burrell | Credit: In
Anne Burrell’s tragic ending
Just the night before her passing, Burrell performed improv for the first time at Second City New York. The troupe paid tribute to her spirit, saying she brought “joy, boldness, and an unwavering ‘yes, and’ energy.”
Anne Burrell | Credit: In
Friends say Burrell had been exploring new paths, creatively and personally. Chef Elizabeth Falkner shared that Burrell seemed at peace and was working on being more present in friendships. Meanwhile, Andrew Zimmern, who had collaborated with her earlier this year, described her as full of drive and optimism about upcoming projects.
Burrell’s sudden death left fans heartbroken. Tributes from celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Duff Goldman flooded social media. Goldman recalled once baking a cake for her that read, “Don’t let the bastards win,” and said she truly never did.
Her family described her as someone whose light and warmth reached far beyond those she personally knew. “Anne’s smile lit up every room she entered,” they said in a statement.
Burrell is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton and her stepson. A memorial service was held on June 20 at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel in Manhattan.