Anne Burrell's Tragic Death: Worst Cooks Star's Suicidal Journal Entries Discovered at Home

A newly released New York Police Department report has confirmed that a suicide note and 'suicidal' journal entries were found inside Food Network star 's Brooklyn home on 17 June, 2025 - the morning she died.

The NYPD confirmed to People, which obtained the police report, that an investigator recovered a 'suicidal note' from the primary bedroom of Burrell's Brooklyn property. Authorities also found journal entries described in similar terms on the bed in the same room. The note was dated the day of her death.

According to the report, Burrell's husband Stuart Claxton told police he became alarmed that morning when he noticed 'the bed was made in their room which is not normal.' He went to the bathroom and found his wife unresponsive on the floor, with a quantity of over-the-counter pills nearby. Claxton told officers he tried to wake her by 'shaking her and slapping her face' before calling 911.

Paramedics responding to the scene were unable to revive Burrell. She was declared dead at the scene. She was 55.

Death Ruled Suicide, Cause Confirmed By Medical Examiner

The New York City medical examiner's office ruled her death a suicide in July 2025, E! News reported. The official cause of death was listed as acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.

Claxton told police that Burrell had 'never attempted suicide in the past' and 'never talked about it.' He also stated she had not shown 'any signs that she would do something like this,' according to the police report. The couple married in 2021.

A law enforcement source separately confirmed the existence of the note to TMZ, adding that the journal entries were found on the bed in the same room.

Career and Tributes From Fellow Food Network Stars

Burrell began her television career in the Iron Chef franchise before hosting Secrets of a Restaurant Chef from 2008 to 2012. She became best known for fronting Worst Cooks in America across 27 seasons, a run that made her one of the network's most recognisable on-screen figures. She was also a cooking instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York.

Tributes from colleagues poured in at the time of her death. Bobby Flay, who co-hosted Worst Cooks in America with Burrell for several seasons, wrote on Instagram: 'Worst Cooks in America was the funnest show on TV. All of your co-hosts (me included) were just alongside for the Anne Burrell ride.' Robert Irvine, another former co-host, said she was 'a radiant spirit who lit up every room she entered.' Rachael Ray, a bridesmaid at Burrell's 2021 wedding, described her as 'a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love,' according to TVLine.

Food Network said in a statement: 'Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent - teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring.'

Her family also issued a statement on 17 June. 'Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend - her smile lit up every room she entered,' it read, according to E! News. '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.'

Burrell is survived by Claxton, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, sister Jane, brother Ben, and several nieces and nephews.