Uganda Cops: Cocaine Killed Amazing Race Producer

Police in Uganda have dismissed reports that thugs poisoned Amazing Race producer Jeff Rice, saying the American appears to have died from a cocaine overdose. Rice was found slumped in a chair on his hotel balcony, and an autopsy found the drug in his system, officials say. Rice's assistant Kathryn Fuller, who remains critically ill in a local hospital, also tested positive for the drug, and may not be allowed to leave the country for treatment in her native South Africa until after questioning. Police believe the pair voluntarily ingested the drug, contradicting reports from Rice's wife that he was apparently poisoned after rebuffing a shakedown by local crooks, ABC reports.

The two were in Uganda filming a documentary about a non-profit organization that provides the poor with hearing aids. "It is unfortunate," a government official tells E! Online. "He came to this country to do a good program—he came across as someone of humanity. It is unfortunate he has passed away, and really, our condolences to his family." (More Uganda stories.)