Divorce attorneys in Pasadena fortunately don't see many cases sadder than that of Russell Armstrong. Armstrong was the husband of Taylor Armstrong, a star on Bravo's hit reality show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. According to early reports, Russell Armstrong committed suicide and was found by Los Angeles Police on Monday evening. Those close to the man say divorce and depression drove him to suicide.
Fans of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills are more than familiar with the marital woes of star Taylor and Russell Armstrong. Cameras caught the couple's union literally falling apart as they clashed over everything from money to friends and beyond. So when news broke on July 15th that the pair had filed for divorce, celebrity couple watchers were far from shocked. But as the weeks unfolded, so did details of a marriage riddled with domestic abuse and affairs. Of the abuse, Taylor told reporters, "I'm mad at myself for tolerating things I should not have. I felt like I was dying inside."
She claims Russell, 47, would grab her, push her around and even throw things at her during their frequent arguments.
The dramatic court battle that was set to get underway this fall was cut short when authorities were called to the home of a friend of Russell Armstrong.
"I can confirm that Mr. Armstrong was found dead from an apparent hanging in a residence on Mulholland Drive," Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Richard French told People magazine.
Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Matt Spence adds, "We did respond at 8:08 p.m. Monday night regarding a reported death at the scene."
According to Los Angeles Coroner Assistant Chief Ed Winter, Armstrong was pronounced dead by paramedics at 8:16 p.m.
"There was no suicide note found," says Winter. "An autopsy and toxicology test are pending."
A source close to the couple told People that the stress of divorce had taken its toll on Russell.
"He was depressed," the source says. "He had a lot going on these past few months. The split from Taylor was a long time coming but it still took a big toll on him. He had no money; he was failing in business. It all added up."