The Real Housewives of New York City star Bethenny Frankel’s “on and off again” boyfriend Dennis Shields was found dead at Trump Tower on Friday.
Sources tell The New York Post that Shields, who was a New York banker, had asked his assistant to administer Narcan this morning after believing he was overdosing from prescription pills. He reportedly lost consciousness and was shortly pronounced dead at the age of 51.
People reported that Shields and Frankel met nearly 30 years ago and had many mutual friends but did not start dating until 2016. In 2016 Frankel told People, “I love him, I care about him and he’s amazing. He’s supporting me—he’s here, which speaks for itself.” As of early 2018 the pair were no longer dating but the two were reportedly close friends.
Update, 3:25 p.m.: In an emailed statement Shields’ ex-wife Jill Schwartzberg Shields writes:
Dennis’ family is devastated by this terrible news. He was a loving father and friend. We ask that the media respect our privacy during this time of loss.