Mary Kennedy Dead, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Wife Dies at 52

Mary Richardson Kennedy, the wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., died of asphyxiation by hanging at the age of 52.


Mary's body was found Wednesday, May 16th in a building on the couple's property located in Bedford, N.Y. The death has not been officially ruled as a suicide, but sources have told the ABC News that Kennedy apparently killed herself.

Psychologists has said that the events in Kennedy's recent history, such as reports of alcohol and drug abuse and psychiatric problems, had all pointed to an increased risk of suicide.

Psychologists say problems with alcohol and drugs were one of the most common factors that increase a person's risk of suicide. About 90 percent of people who commit suicide have had a history of substance abuse and a record of psychiatric illness, usually depression.


Kennedy, 52, had four children with her husband, the son of Ethel Kennedy and Sen. Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968. Mary Richardson Kennedy and Robert Kennedy Jr. had been married for 16 years.

On Wednesday, the Kennedy family said in a statement that her "radiant and creative spirit will be sorely missed by those who loved her."