Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Mary arrive at Sen. Ted Kennedy’s funeral in 2009. (REUTERS)
Mary Richardson Kennedy outside her Bedford home. (AP)
The Mt. Kisco home of Mary Kennedy where she was found after hanging herself in the barn. (AP)
Robert Kennedy Jr., his wife Mary and three of their children arrive to attend a Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights gala in 2008. (REUTERS)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s estranged wife, Mary, who battled her husband’s rumored philandering by turning to alcohol and prescription drugs, died of asphyxiation by hanging, authorities said.
After conducting an autopsy this morning, the Westchester County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed that Kennedy had hanged herself.
The 52-year-old mother of four — the latest victim of a family dynasty cursed with tragedies — took her own life because she was haunted by her broken marriage, her friends lamented.
“She was deeply troubled, abusing alcohol and prescription meds,” a close family friend said. “She had cause. She was used up and tossed away by Bobby. That was awful.”
Bedford police responded Wednesday at 1:36 p.m. to a report of a “possible unattended death” — meaning there were no witnesses — at the estate.
After authorities arrived, they cut her down and tried to revive her. She was found by a housekeeper, ABC News reported.
Mary was found “inside an out-building on that property,” police said in a statement.
She left behind a note, and none of her children were home at the time, sources said.
There are several sheds behind the home — some hold garden tools and another is a falcon house — on a slope leading to a lake.
One unidentified source told RadarOnline that Mary “was very depressed and despondent” during a conversation on Monday.
“Mary said she was facing financial ruin, with American Express coming after her hard for an outstanding debt, along with several other creditors. In addition, she was concerned that Robert was about to substantially reduce the amount of financial support he gave her and she was terrified she would have to file for bankruptcy and lose her home.”
The Kennedy family dealt stoically with the latest in the long line of shocking deaths.
“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 family said in a statement.
“Our heart goes out to her children, who she loved without reservation. We have no further comment at this time.”
The third of 11 children of former US Sen., Attorney General and presidential candidate Robert Francis Kennedy, he married Mary Richardson in 1994, one month after his first marriage ended following 12 years.
The ceremony took place aboard a research vessel on the Hudson River, a fitting spot for the couple, who were environmental advocates.
A family friend said Mary had known the Kennedy clan long before she married Bobby, and had been a close pal of his sister — also named Mary, but known as Kerry — since they were 15-year-olds.
“She had grown up with the Kennedy family, having been Kerry’s best friend since they were teenagers,” the friend said.
The marriage broke down amid reports of her addiction and rumors of his involvement with other women.
Kennedy, 58, filed for divorce on May 12, 2010, two days after Mary called police to complain about her husband — but she appeared “visibly intoxicated” when officers arrived, according to police reports.
As of yesterday, the divorce was not finalized, TMZ.com reported. But Kennedy has since been dating actress Cheryl Hines, sources said.