Police Report Reveals Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell Left “Suicidal Note”
on Feb 18, 2026
Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell Passed Away On June 17, 2025
Anne Burrell, who was known as a chef on Food Network, was found unconscious by her husband, Stuart Claxton, in the early hours of Tuesday, June 17th. Authorities arrived on the scene and were not able to revive her. She was pronounced dead in her home at the age of 55.
Her family confirmed her death to People, saying, “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered. 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.”
RELATED: COLLEAGUES REACT TO ANNE BURRELL’S DEATH: “HORRIFIC AND SENSELESS TRAGEDY”
Initial reports suggested the chef may have died from a cardiac arrest, but the autopsy results conducted by New York City’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner showed something no one was expecting.
The exam, which was released on July 24, 2025 revealed that Burrell had died of suicide due to “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.”
New Police Report Gives New Information
Fans and friends alike couldn’t believe that Burrell, who had such a sunny spirit, would take her own life. The report that the NYPD just released gives more insight on the unfortunate situation.
The police report reveals that Burrell’s husband “noticed that the bed was made in their room which is not normal.”
Then, he found his wife on the floor in the bathroom surrounded by “a bunch of over the counter pills on the floor.” He attempted to wake her up by “shaking” her and “slapping her in the face,” but was not successful. That’s when he called 9-1-1.
After talking with the police, Claxton revealed that his wife “never attempted suicide in the past” and she “never talked about it.” He added that she never showed “any signs that she would do something like this.”
People reports that investigators found a “suicidal note” with the date of her death in the primary bedroom following Burrell’s death. They also found several “suicidal” journal entries on the bed.
It was not revealed what the notes said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideations, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. 9-8-8 is available via call or text, and online chat.
