Food Network Star Anne Burrell Left Diary, Concerning Note in Bedroom Prior to Death

New details about Anne Burrell’s personal life are emerging after investigators uncovered a suicide note and diary entries from the TV chef, who died at age 55 in June 2025.

According to new documents, the New York Police Department confirmed a “suicidal note” was left in Burrell’s bedroom at her Brooklyn, New York, home, People reported on Wednesday, February 18. Investigators also found journal entries on her bed described by authorities as “suicidal.”

The report said Burrell’s husband, Stuart Claxton, whose name was reportedly redacted in the files, told authorities that the bed being made was abnormal. Claxton reportedly discovered Burrell on the bathroom floor “with a bunch of over the counter pills on the floor” and called 911 after finding her unresponsive. He had attempted to wake her by “shaking her and slapping her face.”

Per People, Claxton told police that the Food Network star had “never attempted suicide in the past” and “never talked about it.” Claxton also noted that Burrell did not show “any signs that she would do something like this,” the report said.

The New York City medical examiner’s office ruled Burrell’s cause of death as “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine,” and her manner of death was determined to be a suicide.

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family said in a statement obtained by People following her death.

“Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,” the statement continued. “Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”