The culinary world is mourning the heartbreaking loss of renowned chef Anne Burrell, whose death was confirmed by ABC News as a suicide.

The news comes just over five weeks after Burrell was found “unconscious and unresponsive” in her Brooklyn home on June 17.

The City of New York Office of Chief Medical Examiner has now concluded its investigation, officially determining suicide as the manner of her death.

According to the medical examiner’s report, Burrell died from “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.”

This combination of substances proved fatal, with each playing a significant role in her untimely passing.

Diphenhydramine and cetirizine, two of the medications found in Burrell’s system, are antihistamines commonly used to block substances in the body that cause allergic symptoms.

While both are available over-the-counter and generally considered safe when used as directed, they can cause severe side effects when mixed with other substances.

Ethanol, the chemical compound found in alcoholic beverages, is the most widely used drug worldwide.

Excessive consumption can lead to ethanol poisoning, which can depress the central nervous system and impair vital bodily functions.

The presence of ethanol in Burrell’s system raises concerns about the dangers of alcohol use, especially when combined with other medications.

Amphetamine, another substance detected, is typically prescribed to treat symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

However, it is strongly advised not to consume amphetamines with alcohol due to unpredictable and potentially dangerous interactions.

The National Library of Medicine warns that mixing these drugs can lead to severe health consequences, including heightened toxicity and increased risk of overdose.

While each of these drugs can be used safely on their own or under medical supervision, their combination in Burrell’s case had tragic consequences.

The complex interaction between these substances likely contributed to the acute intoxication that led to her death.

Burrell’s passing has left a profound void in the culinary community and among her fans worldwide.

She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021, and his son, Javier.

Her family also includes her mother, Marlene; her sister, Jane, and Jane’s children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas; and her brother, Ben.

The outpouring of grief from those who knew her personally and professionally has been immense.

Anne Burrell was a beloved figure in the food industry, best known as a longtime co-host of Food Network’s popular show “Worst Cooks in America.”

Her vibrant personality and dedication to teaching culinary skills endeared her to millions.

Tributes have poured in from all corners of the food world, with fellow culinary giants like Tyler Florence, Alex Guarnaschelli, and Elizabeth Falkner sharing heartfelt memories and expressing their sorrow on social media.

Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell’s passion for cooking was ignited early in life.

Inspired by her mother’s home-cooked meals and the legendary Julia Child, she pursued formal training at the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1996.

Her education continued at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, where she deepened her love for Italian cuisine through apprenticeships across Italy.

Upon returning to the United States in 1998, Burrell honed her skills in New York City kitchens, working under acclaimed chef Lidia Bastianich.

She later took the helm at Savoy in SoHo, where she crafted Mediterranean-inspired dishes cooked over an open wood fire, earning praise for her innovative approach.

After years in the restaurant industry, Burrell transitioned to education, teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education.

Her charismatic teaching style eventually led her to television, where she first appeared as a sous chef on “Iron Chef America.”

She later hosted her own Emmy-nominated series, “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” which ran for nine successful seasons.

A staple of Food Network programming, Burrell appeared on numerous shows including “Chopped,” “Chef Wanted,” and “Food Network Star.”

Most recently, she competed in “House of Knives” in 2025, showcasing her culinary prowess and competitive spirit.

The upcoming season of “Worst Cooks in America,” featuring Burrell’s final appearance as a mentor, is set to premiere on Food Network on Monday, July 28, at 9 p.m.

ET and will be available for streaming on HBO Max the following day.

In addition to her television career, Burrell authored two cookbooks, including the New York Times bestseller “Cook Like a Rock Star,” which reflected her bold approach to cooking and her desire to empower home chefs.

The tragic loss of Anne Burrell serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the dangers of mixing medications and substances.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, free and confidential help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The national lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988.

As the culinary world continues to grieve, Anne Burrell’s legacy lives on through her contributions to food, education, and television.

Her passion, warmth, and talent touched countless lives, inspiring many to pick up a knife and cook with confidence and joy.

Though her life was cut short, her impact will be remembered for generations to come.