Bethenny Frankel's on-off boyfriend Dennis Shields' death ruled 'undetermined'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Dennis Shields’ cause and manner of death are “undetermined,” the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to Entertainment Tonight.
In a statement released to the outlet on Wednesday, Chief Medical Examiner Barbara Sampson said: "An OCME autopsy was not performed in this case due to a religious objection, upheld by law in such instances where no criminality is suspected."
Shields was found dead on Aug. 10 in his Manhattan apartment. He was 51.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}As previously reported, Shields, who was living at Trump Tower at the time of his death, asked his assistant to administer Narcan at 9 a.m. The New York Post reported he died of a suspected overdose.
On Sunday, two weeks after his death, the “Real Housewives of New York City” penned an emotional tweet.
“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 [sic] & memories,” Frankel, 47, wrote on Twitter.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“Our relationship is current so it’s painfully raw. Trying to stay healthy & move through it w tears & close friends. Xo,” she added.
BETHENNY FRANKEL SAYS ON-OFF BOYFRIEND DENNIS SHIELDS GAVE HER 'ENDLESS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE'
Frankel previously broke her silence on Shields' death, saying he gave her “endless unconditional love.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Frankel and Shields appeared together on Bravo's "Real Housewives." He was filmed with the popular cast member during the show's most recent season.
The couple met in 1988 when he dated and eventually married the reality star's high school friend, Jill. Frankel and Shields reconnected in 2016 after the late banker separated from his wife.
Fox News’ Katherine Lam contributed to this report.