A top local surgeon and the ex-husband of ABC News’ chief women’s health correspondent killed himself by leaping off the George Washington Bridge, it was reported Sunday.
Dr. Robert Ashton, 52 — who was divorced from Dr. Jennifer Ashton two weeks ago — jumped from the span around 8:40 a.m. Saturday, the Fort Lee Daily Voice said.
The pair lived across the street from each other in Fort Lee, which is in the shadow of the bridge.
“Our hearts r broken that the father of my teenage children took his own life yesterday,” Jennifer Ashton wrote on her Facebook page Sunday.
“As an MD he helped so many and we will remember his warmth generosity and kindness.”
Although she didn’t specify what drove her ex to suicide, Jennifer Ashton said his death should serve as a wake-up call to anyone with a loved one suffering from depression.
“We know that many families struggle everyday with depression while others like us don’t have any warning,” she wrote. “We hope by sharing some of Rob’s story it will save others the heartache we feel. You are never alone. Pls get help. May he Rest In Peace.”
Robert Ashton had been a thoracic surgery director at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, according to the Daily Voice, and chief thoracic surgeon at Hackensack University Medical Center.
His body was recovered at Hazard’s Dock in Palisades Interstate Park.