Latest news with #NewYorkCityOfficeoftheChiefMedicalExaminer
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Anne Burrell died by suicide from acute intoxication of 4 drugs combined, autopsy reveals
Beloved chef and television personality Anne Burrell has died by suicide at the age of 55, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed. Known for her bold cooking style and infectious energy, Burrell was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home last month. Anne Burrell committed suicide The official cause of death was listed as acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine. The heartbreaking revelation has sent waves of grief through the culinary and entertainment industries. What the autopsy revealed? According to People, the autopsy disclosed a fatal blend of substances that ultimately claimed Burrell's life. Diphenhydramine and cetirizine, both antihistamines, were found in her system, alongside ethanol (alcohol) and amphetamine, a stimulant often prescribed for ADHD. This powerful combination proved fatal. Acute intoxication, as described by medical professionals, occurs when a high dose of drugs or alcohol is consumed over a short time, disrupting essential bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, and consciousness. In severe cases, this can result in coma or death. A disturbing scene Just one day after her death, an NYPD spokesperson confirmed that emergency services were dispatched to Burrell's residence. She was found 'unconscious and unresponsive,' and was pronounced dead on the scene. According to an internal police document cited by The New York Times, Burrell was discovered in her shower surrounded by approximately 100 assorted pills, painting a grim picture of the celebrity chef's final moments. A final goodbye to a food icon Anne Burrell rose to fame through shows like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America, where her magnetic personality made her a household name. Her death is not only a devastating personal loss to those who knew her but also a harsh reminder of the mental health struggles that often go unseen. Fans and fellow chefs continue to pour in tributes, remembering her not just for her cooking, but for the passion and joy she brought to countless kitchens and screens.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
What is acute intoxication? Anne Burrell's autopsy reveals she died from combined effects of 4 drugs
Anna Burrell, the vibrant chef known for her culinary talent and larger-than-life personality, passed away last month at the age of 55. The chef, known for her works like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America, was found dead at her home in Brooklyn. On Thursday, People magazine confirmed Burrell died by suicide as the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner revealed the cause of her death: acute intoxication from a combination of medications and alcohol. Celebrity chef Anna Burrell dies at 55 from acute intoxication. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)(Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) Also Read: Anne Burrell suicide: Officials confirm cause of death; mention at least 4 drugs in report What is acute intoxication? Acute intoxication refers to the rapid onset of physical and mental disturbances after the consumption of substances like alcohol, drugs, or chemicals within a short period. According to Quironsalud, it can lead to potential disruptions in basic functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and consciousness. Thus, it is fatal to the human body. While the specific symptoms can depend on the amount of substances consumed, medical providers consider severe intoxication, such as alcohol poisoning, a medical emergency, as it can lead to coma or death. According to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Burrell died because of 'acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine'. Diphenhydramine and cetirizine are antihistamines, while ethanol is a recognised compound of alcohol. Amphetamine is commonly used as a medication to treat ADHD, as reported by People. The day after The Food Network star's death, a spokesperson for the NYPD told the media outlet that Burrell was found 'unconscious and unresponsive' at the scene. The police added that EMS 'responded and pronounced her deceased on scene.' On June 20, The New York Times reported that the celebrity chef was 'discovered in the shower unconscious and unresponsive surrounded by approximately (100) assorted pills,' as the outlet cited an internal New York Police Department document viewed by them.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Food Network chef Anne Burrell died by suicide after mixing alcohol with prescription drugs; was found unresponsive in her bathroom: Report
Food Network chef Anne Burrell, who was found unresponsive at her Brooklyn home on June 17, reportedly died by suicide. According to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's report obtained by TMZ, she consumed a lethal mix of alcohol and prescription drugs that ultimately led to her death. The news has left fans and the culinary industry in shock. While the substances found in her system are typically prescription-based, it's strongly advised not to mix them due to their potentially dangerous, unpredictable effects. The 55-year-old's sudden exit from Worst Cooks in America had already raised concern, with fans questioning her abrupt removal. Also read: Anne Burrell, Food Network chef, found dead at 55 after sudden exit from Worst Cooks in America On June 17, the fire department rushed to Anne's home after a 911 call reported cardiac arrest. Her body was found 'unresponsive' lying on the bathroom floor. Paramedics tried to revive her, but she was pronounced dead on the spot. What shocked fans even more was that just five days earlier, the chef had shared a life update on social media, smiling and strolling through NYC. According to the official report, Anne had taken diphenhydramine and cetirizine (both allergy meds), ethanol (alcohol), and amphetamine, a stimulant usually prescribed for ADHD. Experts say each of these, taken alone and in the right dose, is generally safe. But mixed together, especially with alcohol, they can turn unpredictable and fatal. Anne's death was first confirmed by her family and rep, who called her 'a beloved wife, daughter, sister, stepmom, and friend,' and said her smile lit up every room she walked into, that her warmth and spirit won't be forgotten. Anne was married to Stuart Claxton (a Univision ad executive she married in 2021). She used to live with her step-son Javier, her mother, Marlene, her sister Jane, Jane's kids Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, and her brother Ben. Also read: Hulk Hogan Death Live Updates: Jake Paul, Varun Dhawan, JD Vance, Kane, Triple H, Donald Trump mourn demise of WWE legend Anne rose to fame as a sous-chef on Iron Chef America, following which she signed up for her own show Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which ran for nine seasons. Born in Cazenovia, New York, in 1969, Anne, who grew up watching her mother cook and was heavily influenced by Julia Child, pursued her passion in cooking and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996 and then flew to Italy to master European cuisine. In her career, she hosted and appeared on multiple cooking shows including Chopped, Chef Wanted, Food Network Star, Cutthroat Kitchen, and Beat Bobby Flay. But she's best known for Worst Cooks in America, where she coached clueless home cooks with her signature style for 27 seasons. Her final TV appearance will air on July 28 with the newest season of Worst Cooks in America on Food Network, streaming the next day on HBO Max.
Sky News AU
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Michelle Trachtenberg's boyfriend Jay Cohen breaks his silence on the actress' sudden death
Michelle Trachtenberg's boyfriend broke his silence nearly five months after the actress' tragic death. Jay Cohen spoke of the 'Gossip Girl' alum's passing publicly for the first time while celebrating the 26th anniversary of his life-saving kidney transplant in a post to his private Instagram account Wednesday, according to Us Weekly. A follower took to the comments section of his message to ask Cohen if he could 'talk' about Trachtenberg, prompting him to reply, 'One day soon! Im very sorry ðŸ''.' Another Instagram user slammed the nosy inquirer, writing that it was 'not cool' to ask Cohen about the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' alum. 'Thank you, it's OK comes from the right place,' Cohen reacted, adding, 'Michelle was loved by so many.' While he didn't address his late girlfriend's passing head-on in the post about his operation, he did admit to dealing with 'pain and grief.' 'I am so grateful to all of you who are in my life sharing our common joys, helping me with tragedies and healing from pain and grief,' he reportedly wrote in the July 9 post. 'I'm sure many of you know what I mean when I write that.' Cohen also shared how he is taking care of his mental and physical health. 'As always, I'm still in the gym keeping my mind and body in shape, healthy and calm,' he said. 'Yes I've added some very personal tattoos, when I look in the mirror as I wake and get ready for bed I remind myself of who I am, who I need to be and why I am.' He added, 'An extremely important rule in my life, never do anything that I will not want to see when I look in the mirror and ask myself was I true today.' Cohen, who started dating Trachtenberg in 2020, ended his emotional message by calling life and aging 'humbling.' 'Believe in love, believe in faith and spirituality, care about others!' he wrote. The Post confirmed that Trachtenberg died on Feb. 26. She was 39. Trachtenberg's mom, Lana Trachtenberg, reportedly found the 'Gossip Girl' star in her apartment near Columbus Circle at approximately 8 a.m. ET. The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to Page Six in April that she died of complications from diabetes mellitus and her manner of death was determined to be natural. 'It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away,' her rep said in a statement at the time. 'The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.' Sources told The Post that Michelle had recently undergone a liver transplant. Michelle sparked health concerns last year when fans noticed she was looking gaunt with thinning hair. At the time, she had shared a selfie with 'Spy Kids' star Alexa PenaVega. She captioned the post, 'These kids….now adults getting our roots/hair done! Love this girl @vegaalexa.' Several followers voiced their concerns for Michelle in the comments section of the post, claiming she looked 'sick' and 'thin.' The former child star fired back at the trolls and defended her appearance, writing to one commenter, 'Explain to me how I look sick.' 'Did you lose a calendar and not realize I'm not 14. I'm 38,' she continued. 'How sad for you to leave such a comment.' Michelle swiftly shared another selfie and called out her 'haters.' 'I've received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters,' she wrote. Supporters of the 'Ice Princess' star reacted by applauding her courageous response to the criticism. Originally published as Michelle Trachtenberg's boyfriend Jay Cohen breaks his silence on the actress' sudden death
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What Happened to Michelle Trachtenberg? Everything We Know About Her Rare Cause of Death
When Michelle Trachtenberg unexpectedly died at age 39, fans were left wondering what had happened to the star. On Feb. 26, 2025, the Gossip Girl actress was found dead in a New York City apartment by police officers who had responded to a 911 call. When they arrived at the residence, they found a woman unconscious and unresponsive. Trachtenberg was pronounced dead at the scene and was later identified as the actress. The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled her cause of death "undetermined," and her family refused an autopsy on religious grounds. On April 16, though, the coroner confirmed her cause of death via a toxicology test, renewing questions about the star's health. After Trachtenberg's death, many of her former costars paid tribute to her career in Hollywood, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, who starred with her on Buffy the Vampire Slayer in the early 2000s. "Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you," Gellar wrote in an Instagram post, quoting Trachtenberg's character from the season 5 finale. "The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live... for you." So, what was Michelle Trachtenberg's cause of death — and what did it reveal about her final days? On April 16, 2025, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that Trachtenberg's cause of death was ruled natural and was the result of complications of diabetes mellitus. It is not known what type of diabetes the actress had, as diabetes mellitus refers to "a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar," according to the Mayo Clinic. The day after Trachtenberg died, the New York City Medical Examiner's Office told PEOPLE that her family had objected to an autopsy. Trachtenberg's parents are Jewish immigrants from Germany and Russia, and oftentimes, autopsies are not performed in their faith because bodies are believed to be sacred, as the Los Angeles Times reported. "If it's a suicide, if it's a natural death [or] those types of cases where no one's going to be prosecuted, the autopsy is not required by law," legal expert Neama Rahmani explained to PEOPLE. He continued, "The problem is sometimes we've seen autopsies become public, and the family members will actually file lawsuits to keep autopsies private because sometimes there's information in the autopsy that can cast a bad light on the deceased." Because an autopsy wasn't performed, the medical examiner was only allowed to conduct an external exam of the actress' body. Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant before she died and may have been experiencing complications, ABC reported. Sources told PEOPLE that the actress had been 'struggling' over the last year and was 'really really down emotionally.' "She was really, really sick and open with those in her circle about how much she was struggling," the insider said. They added that Trachtenberg was 'pale, gaunt" and "very thin," and had been dealing with "health issues." Though she never publicly shared that she had been diagnosed with any health conditions, Trachtenberg had defended her appearance on Instagram. Alongside a selfie she shared in January 2024, she wrote, 'Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems. Why do you have to hate? Get a calendar." In a different post, Trachtenberg wrote that she had received 'several comments' about her looks and that she was 'happy and healthy.' A spokesperson for the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner told PEOPLE that they were able to determine Trachtenberg's cause of death through toxicology testing, which can be done without an autopsy. Though less than 50% of all diabetes-related deaths occur in patients under the age of 70, according to the World Health Organization, the condition can be more dire for those who develop it after a liver transplant. A 2018 study in the journal Diabetes Therapy found that up to one-third of patients who have undergone a liver transplant develop diabetes, which can increase the risk of transplant failure and death. 'There's a name for that. It's called NODAT, or New Onset Diabetes After Transplant,' Dr. Zinoviy Abelev told PEOPLE after Trachtenberg's cause of death was revealed. '[Patients] are placed on chronic immunosuppressive medications and steroids called prednisone, and we do encounter patients on chronic steroid replacement having elevated blood sugar.' The doctor called diabetes "a silent killer,' saying, "A lot of times people don't even recognize the signs of diabetes. It's slow damage to the organs, slow damage to the heart, slow damage to the kidneys, liver, eyes, blood vessels.' Dr. Abelev concluded, 'The only way to prevent this is proper recognition of the symptoms and controlling the blood sugar." Read the original article on People
