Autopsy Confirms Anne Burrell’s Shocking Cause Of Death

Fans around the world were left heartbroken when beloved Food Network chef Anne Burrell died at age 55.

Now, five weeks later, the truth behind her tragic passing has come to light.

The celebrity chef’s death has been officially ruled a suicide, and new details are painting a devastating picture of her final moments.

The New York City medical examiner confirmed that Anne Burrell died by suicide.

According to PEOPLE, the examiner cited "acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine."

Diphenhydramine and cetirizine are antihistamines, ethanol is the intoxicating component of alcohol, and amphetamine is commonly used to treat ADHD.

Burrell was found dead in her Brooklyn home on the morning of June 17.

According to The New York Times, she was “discovered in the shower unconscious and unresponsive surrounded by approximately (100) assorted pills,” citing an internal NYPD document.

A 911 call was made at 7:50 a.m. by someone who feared she had gone into cardiac arrest. The NYPD later confirmed that EMS arrived on the scene and “pronounced her deceased on scene.”

Following her death, Burrell’s family released a heartfelt statement.

They said, “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.”

While the family declined further comments, tributes from colleagues and fans poured in, honoring Burrell's culinary talent, charismatic TV presence, and infectious personality.

Celebrity chef Duff Goldman opened up about the personal battles Burrell faced behind the scenes.

Taking to Instagram the day after her passing, Goldman shared a heartfelt tribute alongside a photo of them together.

"I've written and re-written this post so many times in the past 24 hours, and I just don't know what to say," he began.

Goldman revealed that during a tough time in Burrell's life, he baked her a cake with the words, “Don't let the b-stards win.” He added, “She never did.”

The Food Network star recalled their last conversation before they lost touch. “I believe the words 'trash fish,' 'tastes like mud,' and 'cake boy' were used, haha,” he wrote, referencing a heated debate about catfish.

He admitted he didn’t know why they stopped speaking, but said, “I always hoped she was happy.”

Goldman recounted an emotional moment when they reconnected at a gala in New York.

“I was at a gala in NYC with my wife and my daughter, and I took Josephine out to the lobby to give her a break from sitting at a table listening to speeches. We were playing with the marble columns, and as we rounded one, we saw Anne.”

The two spoke briefly, and Goldman said, “It left my heart lifted and full of light,” adding that it was clear she had found “love and tranquility.”

He described Burrell as “tough as they come,” but said, “There was a depth of compassion and kindness that was absolutely beautiful.”

Closing his message, Goldman wrote, “Anne, wherever you are I hope they have slow moving rivers because when I get there, we'll get a couple of rods, a pint of chicken livers, and a sixer and I'll teach you how to catch and cook the best catfish you ever had. Rest up, chef.”

Burrell’s sudden passing left those closest to her reeling, especially fellow chef and longtime friend Elizabeth Falkner, who spent a joyful evening with the deceased just over a week before her death.

“I think Anne looks like she's in pretty decent shape these days, so it's kind of surprising to me,” Falkner told the Daily Mail. “It's just really so sudden and shocking.”

The two chefs had recently reconnected, sharing dinner at Soho House in New York on June 9.

“I said, 'Come to my dinner at Soho House, it'll be great to see you.' And she brought her husband, and we just had such a good time,” Falkner recalled. “It was just so sweet.”

The next day, Burrell sent a message that now lingers with deep emotion. She wrote, “Thanks so much for inviting us. It was a truly lovely time and very delicious. Please send me some pics so I can post.”

Falkner said they had even made plans to grow closer again. “We were like, 'Let's just make a point of talking and texting more often,’” she said. “I'm very grateful to have had that special night. I feel like [our friendship] just got cut really short fast.”