Mary Richardson Kennedy, Estranged Wife Of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Found Dead At Age 52

On Wednesday, Mary Richardson Kennedy, the estranged wife of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., was found dead in her Bedford, New York home at the age of 52.

Though the cause of Mary Kennedy's death was originally not reported, an autopsy performed by the Westchester County Medical Examiner now attributes Kennedy's death to suicide, specifically asphyxiation by hanging, reports the New York Times. Kennedy, the mother of four children with Robert Kennedy, Jr. — Connor, Kyra, William and Aiden — was reportedly separated from her husband of 16 years.

"We deeply regret the death of our beloved sister Mary, whose radiant and creative spirit will be sorely missed by those who loved her," the Kennedy family released in a statement, reports MSNBC. "Our heart goes out to her children who she loved without reservation."

Mary Kennedy's death is one in a long line of personal tragedies for the Kennedy family, which include the death of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy (Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s father), David Kennedy and Michael Kennedy (Robert's brothers), John F. Kennedy, Jr. and, most recently, Senator Ted Kennedy.

Mary Kennedy had a history of problems with alcohol and prescription drug abuse. She was twice arrested for instances of driving under the influence.