Anne Burrell’s death investigated as possible drug overdose: Report

  • Chef Anne Burrell, 55, was found dead in her NYC home last week
  • Report obtained by New York Times claims she was found near pills
  • Her death could also be linked to cardiac arrest, another report says
Chef Anne Burrell poses in a kitchen for Food Network promotion

Chef Anne Burrell poses during the Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival on Oct. 10, 2019, in New York City. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images for NYCWFF)

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(NewsNation) — Anne Burrell, the 55-year-old Food Network star who was found dead last week in her home in Brooklyn, could have died from a possible drug overdose, according to reports.

A document obtained by the New York Times claimed that she was “discovered in the shower unconscious and unresponsive, surrounded by approximately [100] assorted pills.” The medical examiner’s office said on Friday that an autopsy had been completed but that the results were pending.

Burrell was best known for hosting Food Network’s “Worst Cooks in America,” but started her television career as a sous-chef to Mario Batali on “Iron Chef America.” In January, it was revealed that Burrell was no longer the host of “Worst Cooks in America,” and when asked about the change on Instagram, she reportedly replied, “Honestly I don’t know.”

911 call report obtained in Anne Burrell’s death

A 911 call report in the investigation of Burrell’s death was obtained by People. According to the report, someone called just before 8 a.m., concerned about Burrell’s well-being. When officers arrived, they found Burrell unresponsive.

Despite claims of a potential drug overdose, the spokesperson for New York City’s Chief Medical Examiner told Nexstar that her cause and manner of death were still pending.

The report also shows that Burrell could have suffered from cardiac arrest.

  • Chefs Marc Murphy and Anne Burrell pose in a kitchen
  • Anne Burrell and Rachael Ray hugging
  • Chef Anne Burrell poses with book at book signing
  • Chef Anne Burrell poses with her book
  • Chef Anne Burrell smiling while holding a dish
  • Chef Anne Burrell prepares a dish

In a statement following her death, her family wrote, “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.”

Some celebrities also spoke out after her death. Chef Bobby Flay said in his Instagram story, “The greatest gift I got from AB was turning me on to a world of Maine Coon Cats (including Nacho)… a gift that I’ll have forever.” Flay has a pet cat named Nacho.

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