Former Oklahoma and reality TV show producer Jeff Rice was found dead in Uganda.
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Former Oklahoman Jeff Rice, a freelance producer for reality shows "Amazing Race," "Destination Truth" and "Whale Wars" was found dead in his hotel room in Uganda Friday, a victim of suspected poisoning, according to media reports.
Rice's female production assistant Catherine Fuller was also allegedly poisoned and is in critical condition, the Daily Mail reported.
Rice, who worked on this season of CBS' hit reality show, and his assistant reportedly had a recent confrontation with "local thugs" and refused to give up their belongings. The incident may have led to the alleged poisoning, according to media reports.
"They were not attacked, but (evidence) points toward being poisoned," Rice's widow Sally Blackman said on FoxNews.com. "At this stage it is quite difficult to give you any firm reports as the incident is currently under investigation by the Uganda police."
Rice and his assistant were part of a team that helped create challenges across Africa for the latest season of the CBS show which launched Sunday.
Uganda police are investigating the incident and no further details are available at this time, according to media reports.
Rice, the 39-year-old father of two, formerly lived in Los Angeles and moved to Durban, South Africa, 13 years ago. He held dual citizenship.
It was not known at press time where he lived in Oklahoma.
Rice's expertise was in helping television shows shoot on remote locations.
"Jeff was a dedicated father who made the most of his time with his family when back home in South Africa," Blackman told FoxNews.com.
"He has left a huge void, not only in the film industry, but with his family he has left behind. We will miss his smiles and constant humor."
CBS News reported on Rice's death Wednesday but the show's production company, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, has not commented.
