Amazing Race Producer Jeff Rice Dies of Drug Overdose

Does a job in the entertainment industry make someone more likely to abuse drugs? While that may not be scientifically proven, we continue to see the stresses of life in Hollywood take their toll. Most recently, an American producer of reality shows like The Amazing Race and Whale Wars died of an apparent overdose while working in Uganda.

Jeff Rice's body was found in late February 2012 on the balcony of his hotel room, according to a statement from the Uganda Police Force. A "whitish powder in a plastic bag" was also found in his room. It contained opiates associated with cocaine, police said, adding that a similar substance was found in Rice’s urine and blood during the autopsy.

Sally Blackman, Rice's wife and business partner, announced his death Sunday.

"Jeff was on a film production in Uganda and was doing what he loves. ... He was a true asset to the film industry worldwide and Africa was his 'home,'" Rice’s wife, Sally Blackman said in a written statement announcing his death. Rice also has two daughters, ages 2 and 7.

Rice, an Oklahoma native, and Blackman were co-owners of SB Productions in Durban, South Africa, according to CNN.com.

Rice wrapped up work on the most recent season of The Amazing Race several months ago and was not currently doing work for the CBS show.  

Of course, there’s no proof that the high-stress lifestyle of the entertainment industry played a role in Rice’s death. We see people from all walks of life and all over the country succumb to addiction daily.

Addiction Help at La Paloma

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