Police Release New Details: Anne Burrell Left ‘Suicidal Note’ Found at Home
Police investigators say Anne Burrell left a suicidal note dated the morning of her death and that further evidence, including journal entries and a large number of pills, was recovered from her shared home. Authorities later determined her death to be a suicide after a medical examiner found acute intoxication from multiple substances.
Investigation details on Anne Burrell's death
Investigators found a "suicidal note" in the home that was dated the morning of the chef's death. Officers also recovered what are described as suicidal journal entries in the residence. The discovery followed the initial scene where Burrell was found surrounded by more than 100 pills; her husband, Stuart Claxton, discovered her in the home on June 17, 2025 (ET).
Authorities moved forward with an investigation that culminated in a formal determination of suicide in July. The presence of the dated note and the journal entries were cited in police documents as part of the evidence gathered during the inquiry into the circumstances of her death.
Medical examiner findings and family response
The New York City medical examiner's office concluded that the cause of death was acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine. The medical finding was part of the broader investigative file that led officials to rule the death a suicide.
Following the announcement of the medical examiner's determination, Burrell's family issued a statement expressing that her warmth and spirit remained eternal and that her light had touched many. The family message underscored the personal impact of the loss while investigators continued to detail the evidence recovered from the home.
This latest disclosure — the dated suicidal note, the journal entries, the discovery of more than 100 pills, and the medical examiner's toxicology findings — rounds out the picture authorities have provided about the events surrounding her death on June 17, 2025 (ET). Investigators have not released the contents of the note or the journal entries.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for help immediately. In the United States, dialing or texting 988 connects callers to support services and resources.
