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Anthony Bourdain death: No narcotics found in system when he died, French officials say

The late chef was in France filming his show Parts Unknown at the time of his death 

Chelsea Ritschel
New York
Friday 22 June 2018 14:05 EDT
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Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain dies aged 61

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Anthony Bourdain had no illegal drugs in his body when he took his own life in France this month, a judicial official has revealed.

The chef, author and TV presenter was found dead on June 8 in a hotel bathroom in the Alsace region of France, and police ruled it as suicide by hanging.

Now, in a text message to The New York Times, the local prosecutor in charge of the investigation says there were no narcotics in his system.

A trace of non-narcotic medicine was found, added Christian de Rocquigny, but only in a therapeutic dose.

Bourdain was in France filming his show Parts Unknown with his good friend and fellow chef Eric Ripert, of Le Bernardin in New York, at the time of his death.

A funeral service for the late chef has not yet been held, but his mother Gladys Bourdain said it will be a small, private service as: "He would want as little fuss as possible."

Bourdain was cremated in France and his remains and belongings were sent to his younger brother, Christopher.

Following his death, there has been a public outpouring of grief and support for Bourdain, with fans and friends of Bourdain's setting up a makeshift memorial at Les Halles, the New York City restaurant where he used to work, to pay their respects.

However, there are no plans at this time for a public memorial for the chef, according to his long-time agent Kimberly Witherspoon.

As her own tribute to her son, Gladys revealed she plans to have Bourdain's tattoo artist tattoo "Tony" on the inside of her wrist. It will be her only tattoo.

The celebrity chef, who was dating Italian actress Asia Argento prior to his death, has an 11-year-old daughter with his ex-wife Ottavia Bourdain.

In an open letter written by Rose McGowan following Bourdain's death, she revealed details of the relationship between Bourdain and Argento, including parameters of the couple's "free relationship."

McGowan also discussed Bourdain's battle with depression, which she said ultimately "won."

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