Investigation Update: anne burrell Left Suicidal Note Prior to Death, Police Say
Police have disclosed new details in the investigation into the sudden death of celebrity chef Anne Burrell, saying officers discovered a written suicidal note and entries in a journal at her Brooklyn residence. The disclosure follows an earlier medical-examiner finding that the chef died of acute intoxication, ruled a suicide.
What investigators found at the scene
Law enforcement Burrell was discovered in her Brooklyn home on June 17, 2025 ET by her husband, Stuart Claxton. At the scene, officers observed the chef surrounded by more than 100 pills. Further examination of the residence turned up a handwritten suicidal note as well as journal entries that investigators characterized as expressing suicidal intent. Authorities have not released the contents of those writings.
Investigators completed their on-scene work as part of a broader inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death. In July, the city medical examiner determined the cause of death to be suicide.
Toxicology and official determination
The medical examiner's office issued toxicology findings listing multiple substances that contributed to the acute intoxication: diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine. Those findings formed the basis for the suicide determination.
Officials emphasize that the combination of drugs and alcohol can have unpredictable and fatal effects, particularly when multiple substances are involved. The presence of both prescription and over-the-counter medications, combined with alcohol and stimulant substances, complicated the medical picture investigators reviewed.
Family response and community reaction
Burrell's husband told detectives he had not been aware of any verbalized suicidal thoughts from his wife and that there were no outward signs he recognized that would have suggested she might take her own life. Friends, colleagues, and fans have expressed shock at the news.
The chef's family issued a public statement praising her warmth and reach, noting that her light had radiated far beyond those she knew and had touched millions. The message described her spirit and boundless love as enduring even after her death.
The developments have renewed conversations about mental-health awareness and the importance of support for people struggling in private. Mental-health professionals caution that signs of distress are not always obvious even to close family members, and that individuals can be suffering in ways not immediately visible to others.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988 in the United States to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for immediate support.
This outlet will continue to follow the investigation and provide updates as more information becomes available from law-enforcement and medical-authority channels.
