Thursday, May 17, 2012

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s estranged wife found dead

Pool / Getty Images file

Mary Richardson Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. arrive for funeral services for U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy on Aug. 29, 2009, in Boston.

By NBC and msnbc.com staff

Mary Richardson Kennedy, 52, the estranged wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been found dead at the couple’s home in Bedford, NY., her family confirmed in a statement through a lawyer on Wednesday. There was no immediate indication of the cause of 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."

"We have no further comment at this time."


Mary was Robert F. Kennedy's second wife, with whom he has four children.

The couple filed for divorce in May 2010 after 16 years of marriage the New York Post reported.

He was divorced from his first wife, Emily Ruth Black, with whom he had two children, in 1994.

A press release from the Bedford Police Department, said police had responded at 1:36 pm to investigate a "possible unattended death" on South Bedford Road, NBC reported.

"Responding officers confirm that a deceased individual had been located inside an out building on the property," it said, but did not identify the deceased.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., 58, is a prominent environmental lawyer. He is the son of Sen. Robert Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy both assassinated in the 1960s.

Bedford police declined further comment, but said they would make another statement early Wednesday evening, the Post reported.

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