Russell Armstrong, the estranged spouse of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Taylor Armstrong, was found dead on Monday night of an apparent suicide, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office said. Russell was 47.
The coroner’s spokesman Ed Winter added that the death was caused by hanging and that no suicide note had been found as of yet.
According to Ronald Richards, Mr. Armstrong’s former attorney, his client was more than $1.5 million in debt and spending wildly before he reportedly took his life.
“He didn’t have any extra assets,” Richards explained to ABC News. “He was living month to month to support his lifestyle for Taylor.”
Despite the pressures that go along with financial burdens and divorce, Richards said he doesn’t believe they were reason enough for Armstrong to take his life.
“I talked to him all the time,” Richards revealed, adding Russell displayed only “normal disappointment” after filing for divorce earlier in July. “I was shocked to hear this. I feel sad that he didn’t call me, because I would have gone over to his house.”
Rusell’s ex-wife released a brief statement through her rep earlier this afternoon that said:
“Taylor Armstrong is devastated by the tragic events that have unfolded. She requests privacy at this time so that she may comfort her young daughter. Her thoughts and prayers are also with Russell’s 11 and 13 year old sons.”
Bravo, the network that airs the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills , also issued a statement to multiple outlets, saying:
“All of us at Bravo are deeply saddened by this tragic news. Our sympathy and thoughts are with the Armstrong family at this difficult time.”
Here is a video of Russell Armstrong celebrating Taylor’s birthday with her in Hollywood back in June.
via ABC
