New and troubling details have emerged surrounding the sudden death of Food Network star Anne Burrell, as the New York Police Department is reportedly investigating the possibility of a drug overdose.
According to an internal NYPD document reviewed by The New York Times, Burrell was found unresponsive in the shower of her Brooklyn home, allegedly surrounded by approximately 100 assorted pills. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has completed an autopsy, but the official cause and manner of death remain unconfirmed pending toxicology results, a spokesperson confirmed Friday to The New York Post.
Burrell, 55, was best known for hosting Worst Cooks in America and Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, and had long been a fixture on the Food Network. She passed away on Tuesday, June 17. Her family released a statement shortly afterward, confirming the heartbreaking news.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend, her smile lit up every room she entered,” the statement read. “Her warmth, spirit, and boundless love touched millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her light remains eternal.”
The Food Network also paid tribute to Burrell, describing her as a “remarkable person and culinary talent; teaching, competing, and always sharing the joy food could bring.”
As previously reported, Burrell’s husband, Stuart Claxton, discovered her body in the shower between six and seven hours after he had last seen her.
Emergency services were contacted after a 911 caller reported a suspected cardiac arrest.
The New York City Fire Department confirmed she was declared “dead on arrival.”
Just hours before her death, Burrell had performed in an improv comedy show in Brooklyn. Attendees described her as being in “great spirits,” adding to the shock and confusion following her passing.
The culinary community has been mourning the loss of one of its most recognizable figures. Chef Tyler Florence called her a “legendary chef” and “even better friend,” while Rachael Ray, who not only worked with Burrell but also served as a bridesmaid at her wedding, said she was left “shaken” and “heartbroken.”
Beau MacMillan, Burrell’s original co-host on Worst Cooks in America, told The New York Post: “Anne was larger than life, whether she was running a kitchen or filming a show, you knew she was in charge.”
On Friday, more than 100 friends, family members, and fellow chefs gathered for a private wake on Manhattan’s Upper East Side to honor Burrell’s memory.
She is remembered for the joy, humor, and passion she brought to kitchens and television screens across the country.