NEW YORK – The New York City Police Department is investigating the death of Food Network star Anne Burrell as a possible drug overdose, according to an internal police report obtained by The New York Times.
Burrell, 55, was found unresponsive in the shower of her New York City home on June 17. The report states she was surrounded by approximately 100 assorted pills. It remains unclear how the pills came to be there or whether they contributed to her death.
Just hours before her death, Burrell had performed her first live improv show at Second City New York, where she had been taking classes. The theater group honored her with a tribute the following day, writing: “Anne brought joy, boldness, and an unwavering ‘yes, and’ spirit. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her presence unforgettable.”
Burrell became a staple on the Food Network since the early 2000s, first rising to prominence as a sous-chef on Iron Chef America and later becoming widely known as the fiery and fun-loving host of Worst Cooks in America, which aired for 28 seasons.
An official cause of death has not yet been released.
