Confirmation of Anne Burrell's demise by the medical examiner confirmed by Food Network
Chef Anne Burrell, a beloved figure in the culinary and LGBTQ+ communities, passed away on June 17, 2022, at the age of 55. Known for her dynamic presence and infectious enthusiasm, Burrell left an indelible mark on the food world.
Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell's passion for cooking was ignited by her mother's home-cooked meals and TV icon Julia Child. After graduating with a BA in English and Communications from Canisius College in 1991, Burrell pursued formal culinary training at the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1996. To further her expertise, she studied at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Asti, Italy.
Burrell's television career began as a sous chef on "Iron Chef America," leading to her becoming a staple figure on Food Network. She went on to host the Emmy-nominated show "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef," which ran for nine seasons, and was a longtime co-host of "Worst Cooks in America." Burrell was an early star on Food Network, appearing in shows including "Chopped," "Chef Wanted," and "Food Network Star."
Throughout her career, Burrell was recognised as a Food Network personality, helping educate and entertain a wide audience about cooking. She also served as an instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, contributing to professional culinary training. Burrell's work alongside prominent chefs in competitive culinary series like "Iron Chef America" further solidified her status as a culinary powerhouse.
Burrell's culinary journey took her to kitchens in New York City under Lidia Bastianich upon her return to the U.S. in 1998. She led the kitchen at Savoy in SoHo, crafting Mediterranean-inspired dishes over an open wood fire. Burrell also authored two cookbooks, including the New York Times bestseller "Cook Like a Rock Star."
Following her death, tributes poured in from various figures in the food industry, including Tyler Florence, Alex Guarnaschelli, Elizabeth Falkner, and others. Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021, and his son, Javier. She is also survived by her mother, Marlene; her sister, Jane, and Jane's children, Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas; and her brother, Ben.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's new three-digit code is 988. It provides a free, 24/7 crisis counseling service.
In a tragic turn of events, the City of New York Office of Chief Medical Examiner concluded its investigation on June 30, 2022, determining suicide as Burrell's cause of death. The medical examiner stated that Burrell died due to "acute intoxication" from diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.
On a positive note, the new season of "Worst Cooks in America," featuring Burrell's final appearance as a mentor, premieres on Food Network on Monday, July 28, at 9 p.m. ET and streams the next day on HBO Max.
Rest in peace, Chef Anne Burrell. Your spirit and passion for cooking will continue to inspire generations to come.
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Science can significantly benefit mental health and wellness, as demonstrated by the research on the impact of cooking and culinary arts on mental health. For instance, Chef Anne Burrell, who passed away in 2022, had been a proponent of the therapeutic aspects of food preparation, often sharing her enthusiasm for cooking with her wide audience on various Food Network shows.
