Dr Robert Ashton surgeon suicide: A noted MD and former husband of ABC News medic personality, Dr Jennifer Ashton kills himself 2 weeks after their divorce.
Dr Robert Ashton, 52, a noted thoracic surgeon has died after jumping to his suicide death, Saturday morning.
The former husband of of ABC News’ Chief Women’s Health Correspondent Dr Jennifer Ashton, the medic died upon jumping from the George Washington Bridge.
Officials told of Dr. Robert C. Ashton Jr. making his way along the pedestrian walkway to the tower on the New Jersey side of the span, where he climbed over the railing and leapt to his death, landing on rocks below.
A report via The Fort Lee Daily Voice told of the noted surgeon’s body being recovered along the shoreline of Palisades Interstate Park along the Hudson known as Hazard’s Dock shortly after jumping around 8.40 am’.
The suicide death comes despite sources telling the dailymail that Dr Ashton and his ex wife amicably divorcing (or was it?) and remaining friends after the couple divorced two weeks ago.
It is not necessarily understood whether the demise of the man’s former relationship with his ex wife may have instigated him to feeling depressed and seeking to taking his own life.
Of note, authorities come Monday told of Dr Robert Ashton having written a note, prior to having jumped to his death where he instructed respondents to call his wife, leaving the woman’s name and phone number. The scribbled note was found inside the fallen man’s inside jacket.
Long pause…..
At the time of his death, Robert Ashton had served as the thoracic surgery director at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and chief thoracic surgeon at Hackensack University Medical Center.
Ashton lived across the street from his ex wife’s Fort Lee, NJ home, as they shared two teenage children, Alex and Chloe, together.
Responding to her former husband’s suicide death, Jennifer Ashton took to Facebook where she wrote: ‘Our hearts r (sic) broken that the father of my teenage children took his own life yesterday,’
‘As an MD he helped so many and we will remember his warmth generosity and kindness.
‘We know that many families struggle everyday with depression while others like us don’t have any warning.
‘We hope by sharing some of Rob’s story it will save others the heartache we feel. You are never alone. Pls (sic) get help. May he Rest In Peace’.
ABC News president James Goldston would also send a note to staff, writing: ‘Team – I have very sad news to share. Dr Jen Ashton’s ex-husband, Rob, passed away suddenly this weekend, taking his own life yesterday.
‘He leaves behind his beloved family, including their two teenage children. Rob was deeply loved by his family and friends and the countless people he helped in his many years as a physician.
‘Jen and her children are heartbroken, but they know many families struggle with depression, some for years while others, like them, have no warning.
‘They hope by sharing some of Rob’s story it will save others the heartache they feel.
‘Jen is taking this time to grieve and care for her family. Please join me in keeping them all in your thoughts and prayers. James’.
At present it is not necessarily understood what led to the couple divorcing….
