Bethenny Frankel is “heartbroken” over the death of her ex-boyfriend Dennis Shields

A source told E! News: "This is really bad. It's dreadful. She's known him for over 20 years. She’s heartbroken.”

Dennis’ estranged wife Jill Schwartzberg Shields - whom he split with in 2016 just months before striking up a romance with Bethenny - released a statement shortly after news of his passing was made public, in which she said his family were “devastated”.

She said: "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.”

According to TMZ, law enforcement got a call just after 9am for an unresponsive male, and on arrival, they discovered his assistant had administered Narcan - which is used to overturn the effects of an overdose - but was "unsuccessful in reviving him.”

Bethenny began dating Dennis three years after filing for divorce from ex-husband Jason Hoppy, with whom she has seven-year-old daughter Bryn.

The pair endured many break-ups and make-ups - most of which was documented on 'The Real Housewives of New York' - but remained close even when they weren't together.

A source previously said: "Bethenny and her daughter Bryn love Dennis and his family and they have been a support system during her negative divorce and a positive influence in Bryn's life.

"They had a 27-year friendship before they dated so they picked that up where they left off once they realised they didn't work as a couple. Her daughter adores him and his family, and she comes first above all."