Anne Burrell’s untimely death this June 17 was met with tributes and sadness from fans. Her long career as a television personality who dealt with food made fans from all walks of life invite her into their homes every time she had a new television show. While her passing was initially shocking, details are finally trickling in to give a glimpse of what might have actually happened on that fateful day.
The Chopped star was reportedly found by her husband, Stuart Claxton, on the shower floor at their house in Brooklyn at 7:50 a.m. Claxton then called 911, who instructed him to perform CPR on Burrell, who was unresponsive at the time. By the time the paramedics arrived, however, they found the situation beyond any medical assistance and announced Burrell as DOA. Claxton also reportedly found Burrell surrounded by multiple pills.
Page Six was the first to report that, according to their sources in the New York Fire Department, Burrell had gone into cardiac arrest and that was officially the cause of death. But the publication has now found out that the often sidetracked New York Police Department is investigating whether a possible drug overdose might have been behind the death.
This is standard procedure, as the police tend to try and figure out how the drugs were obtained in such situations and whether there was possible foul play in their prescription. There have also been reports on the final hours of the former host of Worst Cooks in America to get a clearer picture of her final activities.
Reportedly, she went to a Brooklyn improv show at The Second City New York and had a pretty late night, and was last seen by her husband Claxton alive at their home at 1 a.m. on June 17. Page Six reached out to the event center for comments, and they replied with a tribute saying, “Anne brought joy, boldness, and an unwavering ‘yes, and’ spirit. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her presence unforgettable. Our thoughts go out to Anne’s family and loved ones.”
Burrell is survived by her husband and son, Javier. Her family released a statement to the public in remembrance of her vibrant energy and smile, noting that she touched millions of hearts worldwide with her talents — and most importantly, her charm. We wish them a peaceful grievance period and hope that they can at least take comfort in how, through the tributes still trickling in, Burrell lived her purpose to the fullest.
Burrell was 55 at the time of her passing. The investigation into her possible overdose is still pending, and there are no full answers at this time. The police will certainly release a statement if they do find she overdosed within due time. The New York Times reports that the pills that were in her possession at the time were approximately 100, and that despite the autopsy still being in progress, that number alone in isolation is a red flag.
According to her close friends, she was working on a brand new chapter of her career at the time of her passing.
