Bethenny Frankel's Dead Beau's Ex-Wife Starts Anti-Drug Foundation
Bethenny Frankel's former beau Dennis Shields' former wife has started a foundation to fight drug addiction after he died of a suspected overdose. Jill Shields announced the creation of the Dennis Shields Foundation online, according to The Blast.
In a move to make sure Dennis' shocking death wasn't in vain, Jill and other family members plan to make sure others are made aware of the opioid epidemic through the new foundation.
Jill, who was married to banker Dennis for 26 years but split from him in 2016, explained that more information would be revealed soon. For now, the foundation’s website provides links to resources discussing the opioid crisis in America, and includes text that reads, “More Information On Opioid Addiction.”
Jill and her four grown kids by Dennis noted on the site, “In memory of our loving father, husband, and friend, Dennis Shields.”
Dennis, 51, was found dead of a suspected overdose on Friday, August 10 at about 9 a.m. in his million-dollar Trump Tower apartment in New York. The New York Post reported that the businessman – who had appeared on The Real Housewives of New York with Frankel -- had allegedly overdosed on prescription pills.
Dennis reportedly asked his assistant to administer Narcan, which treats opiate overdoses, when he realized his life was in danger. But it was too late. Dennis and Frankel had been an on-again, off again couple.
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After his death on August 10, heartbroken Frankel was photographed sobbing in the rain at Shields' funeral on Monday, August 13.
On Sunday morning, August 26, The Real Housewives of New York star finally broke her silence and tweeted her feelings about Shields' shocking end. Frankel, 47, wrote to her fans, "It’s hard to breathe & I appreciate you giving me the space & support to try to do so. It’s excruciating-sudden death is no closure & constant ?s & memories. Our relationship is current so it’s painfully raw. Trying to stay healthy & move through it w tears & close friends. Xo."
This past week, Frankel opened up more on social media. TheReal Housewives of New York City star shared a moving sunset photo on Instagram on Tuesday, August 28, writing as a caption, "the sun also rises."
The reality show star also shared video on her Instagram story which showed the sunset from a boat. "The sun will still rise & set every day," she wrote about the boat riding through the water.
Also on Tuesday, Frankel posted video on Instagram story of her adorable daughter Bryn Hoppy, 8.
"Mommy time heals all wounds," Frankel wrote.
Dennis’ death has been officially ruled “undetermined” after his family reportedly refused an autopsy due to religious objection.
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