Details on Anthony Bourdain's Death

By now, you've probably heard about the death of ANTHONY BOURDAIN, who committed suicide in France early Friday morning.  He was 61.  But there were a few developments over the weekend . . .

Anthony reportedly hung himself in a hotel bathroom using the belt from his bath robe.  The local police say there's no indication that anyone else had been there that morning, and there's no sign of foul play.

Toxicology tests will determine whether he had any drugs or alcohol in his system, but the results won't be back for several weeks.

Anthony's friend, chef Eric Ripert, found his body in the hotel room.  They'd been filming an episode of Anthony's travel and food show, "Parts Unknown".

Anthony had been dating Italian actress Asia Argento for more than a year.  She said, quote, "Anthony gave all of himself in everything he did.  His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds.

"He was my love, my rock, my protector.  I am beyond devastated.  My thoughts are with his family.  I would ask that you respect their privacy and mine."

It's worth noting that it's unclear whether they were still together at the time of his death.  Earlier last week, there were photos of Asia hanging out with another guy, and they were holding hands and hugging.

It's possible that he's just a friend, and their physical touching was just . . . European.  But in the wake of Anthony's suicide, some people are suggesting that he and Asia were no longer dating, or that she had something going on the side.

Asia also shared a "cryptic message" in an Instagram story just "hours" before his death.  It was a photo of herself wearing a shirt that said "[EFF] EVERYONE," and she captioned it, quote, "You know who you are." 

n any event, it LOOKED like Anthony and Asia were together as recently as a couple weeks ago.

Anthony's suicide came days after fashion designer Kate Spade killed herself . . . and the Mental Health Association says the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has experienced a 25% increase in call volume compared to the previous week.

Naturally, a lot of celebrities have been posting tributes, but Val Kilmer rubbed people the wrong way for calling his suicide "selfish."  But his anger was part of a very heartfelt tribute to Bourdain.

Anthony's show posted an homage featuring one of his quotes . . . "If I'm an advocate for anything, it's to move.  As far as you can, as much as you can.  Across the ocean, or simply across the river.  Walk in someone else's shoes or at least eat their food."

(Since Anthony spent so much time working for CNN, here's Anderson Cooper's report on his death . . . and here's CNN's Kate Bolduan crying as she reports on his death.)


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