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Anne Burrell’s Cause of Death Revealed as Food Network Honors Her Legacy in Final ‘Worst Cooks in America’ Season

July 25, 2025

Celebrity chef Anne Burrell’s cause of death has officially been confirmed as suicide. The development comes five weeks after the Food Network star was found unconscious and unresponsive in her apartment. According to the New York City medical examiner’s office, Burrell died from acute intoxication caused by a mix of substances, including alcohol and a drug often used to treat ADHD, and more.

PEOPLE shared the medical report, citing that a combination of “diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine” proved to be fatal. The outlet also reached out to the chef’s family for comment, but they declined to respond. The New York Times revealed that Burrell’s death was being investigated as a possible overdose and, according to the report, an internal police document detailed that the TV star was discovered in the shower surrounded by approximately 100 assorted pills.

The late chef’s final season of Worst Cooks in Americais set to premiere on July 28 on Food Network and will feature her alongside Gabe Bertaccini. Following the news of her death on June 17, the network aired a special programming block on June 25 to honor Burrell’s legacy and her 20-year run as one of its most beloved personalities.

Gabe Bertaccini Opens up About Working With Anne Burrell in Her Final TV Appearance

The upcoming season of Worst Cooks in Americastars Burrell and Bertaccini as they mentor a new batch of amateur cooks. In an emotional interview with TV Insider, the Food Network star shared what it was like to work with Burrell and what fans can expect from the show’s upcoming installment. According to Bertaccini, the late chef’s final TV role should be a celebration of her life and legacy and watching a screener for the premiere was difficult for him.

This Season of ‘Worst Cooks in America’ With Anne Burrell Might Be Surprisingly the Most Meaningful One Yet

A fiery farewell to a culinary icon.

However, five minutes in, the chef startedreliving all the exciting memories he and Burell shared. Bertaccini added that during filming, he had the chance to befriend Burrell since they would spend up to 14 hours on set together. The TV chef shared that Burrell made an effort to stay in touch with him since then, and she remained connected with the recruits on the show, sending Bertaccini regular updates on them.

While reflecting on his experience on Worst Cooks in America, Bertaccini joked that it felt like he was running a kindergarten. The mentor shared that the cast of the upcoming season includes opera singers, YouTubers, musicians and more. When it came to cooking, though, they were downright terrible. Bertaccini shared that while Burrell had warned him beforehand, he had no idea his patience was going to be tested like never before. “You’re going to be speechless for a while,” joked the TV chef while talking about the recruits’ lack of kitchen skills.

Anne Burrell’s final season of Worst Cooks in America premieres on July 28 on the Food Network.