Shocking Updates: Anne Burrell’s passing reportedly linked to drug overdose

Weeks after her demise, reports are emerging about Anne Burrell's death being treated as a possible drug overdose.

The Food Network host was found dead at her home in New York on June 17. Now, E! News has reported that the New York City Police Department is looking at OD as a possible cause of death.

Her husband, Stuart Claxton, was the one to find her, and upon the arrival of EMTs, she was pronounced dead at the scene. He reportedly called just before 8 a.m. out of concern that his wife had suffered a cardiac arrest.

Per documents obtained by The New York Times, the late chef had been

“discovered in the shower unconscious and unresponsive, surrounded by approximately 100 assorted pills."

The outlet has also revealed that the autopsy has long been completed, though further details about the same remain scarce.

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The details of Anne Burrell's untimely demise are explored as new details come to light

Anne Burrell, known for hosting Worst Cooks in America, had reportedly spent her final weeks with close friends and family. Just two weeks before she passed away, she had visited a nursing home in Florida called CareRite Centers, where she prepared food for the residents and trained the chefs in-house as part of her philanthropic initiatives. According to a press release, the efforts were to

"elevate the standard of dining in healthcare"

The efforts were also aimed at preparing meals Burrell thought were “good for the soul.”

The release added that her visits across locations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Boca Raton

“were nothing short of spectacular."

Anne Burrell's family confirmed the news of her passing in a statement:

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend – her smile lit up every room she entered.”

They said of the 55-year-old:

“Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world.”

They added:

“Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”

Food Network also honored their alum with a representative stating:

“Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent – teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring”

They added:

“Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss,” they added.

Chef Bobby Flay took to Instagram to say of his late friend:

“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.”

He was referring to his pet cat, Nacho.

The night before her demise, Anne Burrell wrapped up the last of her improv courses during a night out at The Second City New York in Brooklyn. A source told People Magazine that she performed an exuberant show, and stated:

“Everyone said she was so great last night and so happy”

Everyone was “shocked and confused” to learn of her demise, they added, because she seemed fine that night. Just the week before, she had shared pictures of herself on Instagram, where she could be seen dining with a fellow Food Network star.

She captioned the June 11 post of herself and Chef Elizabeth Falkner:

“A delicious and delightful evening last night @sohohouse for @cheffalkner ‘s ‘One Night Only’ dinner. SUUUUUUPER yummy with a great group of people. Thank you Chef for the invite and deliciousness!! #theclaxtons #ilovewhatido #luckygirl," she said of their meal."

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Anne Burrell is survived by her husband and his son, Javier. She is also survived by her mother, Marlene, her sister, Jane, brother, Ben, and nieces and nephews Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.