Mary Kennedy had left a suicide note before hanging herself yesterday. Robert Kennedy Jr.'s ex-wife was tragically found dead hanged in her barn. The autopsy report reported the official cause of death as asphyxiation due to hanging. Her body was found by a housekeeper.


Mary Kennedy, 52, was married to Robert Kennedy for 16 years before Robert filed for divorce two years ago. Their four children were not at the home at the time of her suicide. Her youngest child is only 11 and her eldest is 17. Toxicology test results will not be ready for several months, according to the examiner's office.


Neighbors said Mrs Kennedy looked "lost and alone" before her death. She was known to have been battling drugs and alcohol. She apparently left a suicide note, according to the New York Times, but the contents of the letter has not been released.
Mrs Kennedy's family released a statement regarding her death: "We deeply regret the death of our beloved sister Mary, whose radiant and creative spirit will be sorely missed by those who loved her. Our heart goes out to her children who she loved without reservation."


Mrs Kennedy's friends have spoken out about her torment following her divorce with Robert Kennedy Jr. and her arrest for DUI. Following her divorce in May 2010, Mary was arrested on May 15 2010 and subsequently charged with driving under the influence. She had admitted in court that her driving ability was impaired when she drove over a curb outside a school. Her blood-alcohol level was 0.11 percent - 0.03 percent over the legal limit of 0.08.


A close friend told the New York Post: A close family friend told the New York Post: "She was deeply troubled, abusing alcohol and prescription meds. She had cause. She was used up and tossed away by Bobby. That was awful."


Robert Kennedy Jr is the son of former Senator Robert Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy. Mary was his second wife. He had two children with his first wife, whom he divorced in 1994. He is currently dating actress Cheryl Hines.