The New York City Police Department is currently conducting a meticulous investigation into the unexpected death of celebrity chef Anne Burrell, zeroing in on evidence that could suggest a possible drug overdose.

Authorities are probing the presence of a large number of pills found at the scene, a tragic finding that may shed light on the cause of death.

Burrell, a celebrated Food Network personality known for hosting Worst Cooks in America and Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, was discovered unresponsive by her husband, Stuart Claxton, on the morning of June 17 at their Brooklyn residence.

Claxton, who married Burrell in 2021, reportedly discovered her body in the shower at approximately 7:50 a.m., mere hours after last seeing her awake around 1 a.m. that day.

Jimmy Fallon gets a lesson in packing a punch on The Tonight Show from Priyanka Chopra

Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. Initial reports referenced a possible cardiac arrest, but investigators quickly noted the presence of numerous pills surrounding her, prompting a deeper probe into whether her death was caused by overdose.

NYPD focuses on overdose evidence at Brooklyn home

Investigators from the NYPD’s overdose squad have arrived on the scene to catalogue pill bottles and personal effects found amidst the bathroom surroundings.

Though the authorities have not yet confirmed foul play, sources indicate the investigation is heavily centered on determining whether an accidental or intentional overdose may have occurred.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in New York City has already completed an autopsy, and toxicology results are awaited.

The official cause and manner of Burrell’s death remain pending until those findings are finalized.

Friends and family mourn as questions remain

Over one hundred family members, close friends, and culinary peers-such as Scott Conant,Amanda Freitag, Marc Murphy, and Rachael Ray, gathered at a private wake on the Upper East Side.

Held at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home, the somber event reflected a community grappling with grief and uncertainty.

A spokesperson for the improv venue The Second City New York, where Burrell performed the night prior to her passing, paid tribute, stating: “Anne brought joy, boldness, and an unwavering ‘yes, and’ spirit. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her presence unforgettable. Our thoughts go out to Anne’s family and loved ones.”

Her own family issued a grieving statement:”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.”

Final hours under scrutiny

Investigators are reconstructing the timeline of Burrell’s final hours. She spent the evening before her death attending an improv show at Second City, where attendees said she appeared animated and upbeat.

This apparent contrast, her lively final night and the tragic discovery hours later-has heightened investigators’ focus on the pills found on site. The CT scan of medication suggests overdose is a credible lead.

Authorities are collecting the medication for laboratory testing, which will help identify substances present in Burrell’s system and reveal whether the drugs were prescribed or illicit. The probe will also determine if her death was accidental or intentional.