Anne Burrell's Haunting Crime Scene Photos Show Late Food Network Icon Had 'Dozens of Pills and Empty Medicine Bottles' Scattered Before Committing Suicide
Anne Burrell was surrounded by pills and bottles when her body was discovered last year.
April 1 2026, Published 7:00 p.m. ET
Dozens of pills and pill bottles were found scattered about Anne Burrell's bathroom, RadarOnline.com can report, after the Food Network star was found dead inside her Brooklyn apartment last year.
The celebrity chef died on June 17, 2025, at the age of 55. Five weeks after her passing, Burrell's death was ruled a suicide from acute intoxication involving multiple drugs.
Pills, Bottles, and Cigarettes
The celebrity chef's death was ruled a suicide.
The NYPD has released new details about Burrell's death, including photos that show dozens of pills in a dish near her toilet. In addition, bottles of Advil, Zyrtec, Motrin, and a ValuMeds allergy-relief antihistamine covered the bathroom floor.
First responders also found discarded cigarette butts on the floor, along with a lighter.
A video from earlier in the night of her death showed Burrell and her husband, Stuart Claxton, coming home and entering their apartment.
Another clip showed Burrell leaning against a wall in the building's lobby while they waited for the elevator. Once inside, Burrell leaned back and simply stared at the wall.
Anne Burrell's Husband Discovered Her Lifeless Body
The TV chef's husband, Stuart Claxton, found her body.
As Radar reported, Claxton found Burrell's body in the bathroom of their home around 7:40 a.m. She was on the shower floor, lying face up.
Moments earlier, he "noticed that the bed was made in their room, which is not normal," according to a report. He then made the heartbreaking discovery of his wife's body in the bathroom, "with a bunch of over-the-counter pills on the floor."
Claxton started "shaking her and slapping her face" in an attempt to awaken the unresponsive Iron Chef America star, and then called 911.
When paramedics arrived 20 minutes later, they pronounced the Food Network star dead at the scene. Police revealed the celebrity chef left a "suicidal note" in her bedroom and that "suicidal" journal entries were also discovered by investigators.
Anne Burrell 'Looked Great' on the Outside
Burrell appeared to be on 'great spirits' earlier that night.
Burrell's decision to take her own life seemed to be a surprise for Claxton, who told authorities she had "never attempted suicide in the past" and "never talked about it."
The report also stated the Worst Cooks in America host had not exhibited "any signs that she would do something like this," according to her husband.
Sources said Burrell seemed "happy" and "in great spirits" while performing in an improv comedy show at The Second City New York hours before her shocking death.
One insider described her demeanor as "typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast."
A Different Story on the Inside
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She was reportedly battling inner demons.
Though she seemed happy on the outside, inside she was secretly being eaten alive by anxiety, doubt, and fear, as she faced a midlife career crisis.
Anne "talked about her job as a competitive cesspool," an insider revealed. In recent months, she'd stepped away from reality TV and was taking acting classes.
The chef's family confirmed her death in a statement, saying: "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."
