'Lost, Alone' Mary Kennedy Hanged Herself

Robert Kennedy Jr.'s estranged wife was a "lost, alone" woman who ended her life at the end of a noose in a suicide in her barn behind her Westchester home, reports the New York Daily News. The body of Mary Kennedy, 52, the mom of four children ages 11 to 17, was found by her housekeeper. Her two eldest kids were at boarding school and the youngest were with their father at the time. "She always seemed lost these days, whenever she came into the village,” said a neighbor. “Lost and alone, and sort of out of it.”

Kennedy had long battled drug and alcohol problems, and most recently attended rehab in February, according to the News. One source told the paper that Kennedy was about to face a court battle for custody of the kids. "She's my best friend,” said sister-in-law Kerry Kennedy, who introduced Mary to her brother. "Our whole family is devastated by the loss, and we appreciate everyone's prayers." Mary Kennedy's family said in statement: "We deeply regret the death of our beloved sister Mary, whose radiant and creative spirit will be sorely missed. Our heart goes out to her children who she loved without reservation.” (More RFK Jr. stories.)