Food Network fans are still reeling from the shocking loss of beloved chef and TV personality Anne Burrell, who was found dead at her Brooklyn home in June at the age of 55.
The New York Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has now ruled her death as a suicide.
According to a statement provided to The Washington Post, the cause of death was “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.”
Diphenhydramine and cetirizine are antihistamines, while amphetamine is a stimulant found in prescription drugs used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and ethanol is a component in alcoholic beverages.
Burrell’s passing was met with an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow chefs, who remembered her for her infectious energy, platinum hair, and exacting culinary techniques.
She was a mentor to rookie cooks on the show “Worst Cooks in America” and hosted her own show, “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” which ran for nine seasons.
A Life Dedicated to Food and Entertainment
Burrell got her start on the Food Network as a sous chef on “Iron Chef America” and went on to appear on a slew of shows, including “Chef Wanted,” “Chopped,” and “Food Network Star.” Most recently, she appeared on the competitive cooking show “House of Knives,” which debuted in March.
In addition to her culinary pursuits, Burrell had recently taken up improv comedy. The night before she died, she had performed at the Second City New York in Brooklyn alongside fellow students of its classes.
Burrell’s family released a statement calling her “a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend.” “Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal,” it read.