Police Report Details Anne Burrell's Tragic Death and Absence of Narcan Administration
Food Network celebrity Anne Burrell was not administered the overdose-reversing medication Narcan when emergency responders discovered her lifeless in the shower of her Brooklyn residence, according to a police report obtained by TMZ. The report provides new, distressing details about the circumstances surrounding the death of the beloved chef, who was pronounced dead at the scene on June 17, 2025.
Grim Discovery and Immediate Aftermath
Burrell's husband, Stuart Claxton, made the heartbreaking discovery at approximately 7:40 AM, finding his wife unresponsive on the bathroom floor. According to the police documents, Claxton noticed their bed was unusually made before entering the bathroom, where he saw Burrell surrounded by a bowl containing various over-the-counter medications. He attempted to revive her by shaking her and slapping her face before dialing 911 when his efforts proved futile.
Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter and pronounced Burrell dead at around 8:00 AM. Emergency medical services personnel attempted CPR but were unsuccessful in their resuscitation efforts. The New York City medical examiner later ruled her death a suicide, citing acute intoxication from a combination of amphetamine, ethanol, and the antihistamines diphenhydramine and cetirizine.
Narcan Decision and Investigation Findings
While naloxone, commonly sold under the brand name Narcan, is widely used to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses and can mitigate some effects of amphetamines, paramedics determined Burrell was beyond medical help and did not administer the drug. This revelation comes alongside additional findings from the police investigation, which uncovered what appeared to be a suicidal note and troubling journal entries in the late chef's bedroom.
The report noted that approximately 100 assorted pills were found around Burrell's body when she was discovered. Claxton told investigators that his wife had never attempted suicide in the past, never discussed such thoughts, and showed no warning signs or behaviors suggesting she would take such action. He had last seen her alive at approximately 1:00 AM on June 17, just six to seven hours before finding her unresponsive.
Burrell's Final Days and Career Legacy
In the evening before her death, Burrell had performed in an improv show at a Brooklyn comedy club, having recently taken acting classes at its training center. She had spoken enthusiastically about this new venture on Tori Spelling's podcast in March, joking about being the oldest student in her class while expressing excitement about exploring opportunities beyond her culinary career.
Burrell had recently announced a hiatus from Worst Cooks in America after season 28, which aired from January to February 2024. She told Spelling she was only dipping her toe into acting while working on other undisclosed projects, stating she felt she had more to accomplish in her life.
Her family released a statement following her death, remembering how her smile lit up every room she entered and how her light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Worst Cooks in America returned to the Food Network last month for its first episodes since Burrell's death, leaving fans feeling bereft at the absence of the chef who had won their loyalty through her long run on the show.
Burrell had developed her expertise in Mediterranean cuisine working at prominent New York restaurants including Felidia and Savoy. Her interest in cooking began in childhood, influenced in part by another popular television chef, Julia Child. The tragic circumstances of her death have highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and support services for those in crisis.
