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Anne Burrell
Burrell's death was caused by a combination of alcohol, antihistamines, and other drugs, according to the New York City medical examiner.
Queer celebrity chef Anne Burrell died by suicide, according to the New York City medical examiner.
Burrell died June 17 at age 55. She was found unresponsive in her home in Brooklyn and was pronounced dead soon afterward.
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The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s report, released Thursday, said Burrell died due to “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine,” as quoted by The New York Times and other media outlets. These substances include alcohol and over-the-counter antihistamines.
There were about 100 pills scattered around Burrell when first responders found her in the shower, the Times reports. The combination of alcohol and antihistamines can interfere with heart and lung functions and can be fatal if the dose is high.
The Times sought comment from her family, but they declined through a spokesman. Immediately after her death, they had released a statement saying that her “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,” the statement continued.
She had been performing improv comedy at Second City in Brooklyn the night before her death.
Burrell first came to the public eye as a sous-chef on the Food Network's Iron Chef America. She later got her own show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which ran for nine seasons on the network beginning in 2008.
She also appeared on Chef Wanted, Chopped, and Food Network Star, and hosted Worst Cooks in America. She was a frequent guest on Today, sharing recipes with viewers.
“She remained a constant presence on the [Food Network], accumulating legions of fans for her culinary prowess, platinum swoop of hair and ebullient demeanor,” the Times notes.
The final season of Worst Cooks in America, subtitled Talented and Terrible, will air on the network beginning Monday. Gabe Bertaccini cohosted the season with Burrell.
Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, his son, her mother, and two siblings. Before meeting Claxton, she was in a relationship with a woman, chef Koren Grieveson.
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services. Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.
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