Housewives Hubby Begged for Xanax Before Suicide

Plus: Russell Armstrong's family considers suing Bravo
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 18, 2011 10:32 AM CDT
Russell Armstrong Suicide: 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Husband Begged for Xanax Before Death
Russell Armstrong and Taylor Armstrong arrive at the 5th Annual Kidstock To Benefit One Voice Scholars Program sponsored by Hudson Jeans at Greystone Mansion, June 5, 2011 in Beverly Hills, Calif.   (Getty Images)

Just days before his death, Russell Armstrong begged a friend for anxiety drugs, telling him, "This is as bad as it gets." Armstrong was upset over his divorce and his portrayal on Real Housewives, and couldn't even afford to pay for the meal he was sharing with the friend, Russ McCullough. McCullough gave him one Xanax, but Armstrong wanted an entire bottle, TMZ reports. The gossip site adds that Armstrong's death, not surprisingly, was officially ruled a suicide by hanging.

Meanwhile, his family is considering suing Bravo. The network that airs Real Housewives "is at fault and somebody needs to pay," Armstrong's stepbrother tells Radar. But one member of his family is also offering a glimpse into Armstrong's dark past, Perez Hilton notes: His sister says that, at the tender age of six, he accidentally shot her. She adds that he "had anger issues" but was trying to overcome them. He also allegedly punched a business associate, had two restraining orders filed against him by ex-partners, and pleaded guilty to battery in 1997, Radar reports. Click to read Bravo exec Andy Cohen's response to the Armstrong news. (More Russell Armstrong stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X