Anne Burrell’s Death Has Been Ruled a Suicide

Anne Burrell, celebrity chef and longtime host of Worst Cooks in America, died on June 17 at her home in Brooklyn at the age of 55. On Thursday, July 24, her death was ruled a suicide, according to New York City’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The cause of death, per the New York Times, was “acute intoxication” due to the combined effects of alcohol, amphetamines, and antihistamines.

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family said in a statement, according to People. “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.”

Burrell first appeared onscreen in 2005 as Mark Ladner’s sous-chef on Iron Chef America. She quickly went on to join numerous Food Network shows, including Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and the newly released competition series House of Knives. She was also involved in her community. Burrell served on the advisory board of the Garden of Dreams Foundation, was a celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and was a member of City Harvest’s Food Council.

Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton; her stepson, Javier; her mother, Marlene; her sister, Jane; her children, Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas; and her brother, Ben.

This post has been updated.