Her cause of death has been finally revealed, and we are heartbroken

More than a month after beloved chef and culinary television star **Elena Borrelli** was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn apartment, authorities released the final report on her cause of death, bringing clarity to a loss that stunned the food world. On July 24, 2025, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled her death a **suicide**, citing acute intoxication from a dangerous combination of alcohol, amphetamines, and antihistamines. The findings aligned with the NYPD’s initial assessment following the June 17 incident.

Borrelli was discovered early that morning by her husband, **Samuel Claxton**, who found her unconscious in the shower, surrounded by numerous tablets. Believing she had gone into cardiac arrest, he immediately called 911, but paramedics were unable to revive her. He has remained private since the report was released.

As the investigation closes, many fans, colleagues, and students are turning their focus to Borrelli’s remarkable life and career. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, she rose from restaurant kitchens to national fame as host of the hit show *Kitchen Fixers*, where she guided inexperienced cooks with equal parts patience and humor. She later starred in *Secrets of a Chef* and made recurring appearances on competitive cooking series.

Beyond her professional achievements, Borrelli’s personal journey captivated many. After ending a long engagement, she eventually met Claxton through a dating app, where the pair quickly bonded. Their whirlwind romance led to a heartfelt proposal during quarantine at her childhood home in upstate New York. The couple married soon after in a vibrant autumn ceremony filled with family, food, and Borrelli’s signature whimsy.

Following the wedding, the newlyweds settled into their renovated Brooklyn home, choosing to spend a quiet, cozy “staycation honeymoon” together. Those who knew Borrelli remember her as warm, driven, and endlessly creative — a chef whose passion for teaching and food touched countless lives. Though her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, her legacy continues to inspire cooks everywhere.