Robert F Kennedy Jr.’s estranged wife Mary Richardson Kennedy was found dead today, another in a string of tragedies to befall the family of late President John F. Kennedy and brother Robert F. Kennedy.

She reportedly hanged herself in a barn, gossip site radaronline reported, citing a source.

Although Mary, 52, was found dead when police arrived no official determination as to the cause of death has been released, according to official reports. For the moment, police are classifying the matter an “unattended death investigation.”

The family issued a statement this afternoon. “We deeply regret the death of our beloved sister Mary, whose radiant and creative spirit will be sorely missed by those who loved her,” it said. “Our heart goes out to her children who she loved without reservation. We have no further comment at this time.”

The couple separated and filed for divorce in May 2010, but were still legally married, according to gossip site TMZ. Mary remained in the family home in Mount Kisco, New York, about 40 miles north of New York City. Robert lived mostly in Los Angeles.

Robert Kennedy was still legally married to his wife, even though he was dating actress Cheryl Hines.

The divorce apparently was not amicable. A trial was set, which usually means substantial issues are in dispute, either over property disposition or child custody.

There have been reports that Mary was deeply troubled and struggling with alcohol. She was arrested for drunk driving in 2010.

She may also have had financial problems. Last month she was sued by American Express although the details were unavailable, according to gossip site TMZ.

Kennedy, 58, is the third of eleven children and second of seven sons born to late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. He is also a nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy.

Kennedy married Emily Ruth Black in 1982 and have two children: Robert Francis Kennedy III and Kathleen Alexandra Kennedy.

They divorced in March 1994, and one month later he married Richardson, a long-time friend of the family.

They have four children: John Conor Kennedy, Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy, William Finbar Kennedy and Aidan Vieques Kennedy.

Kennedy, who graduated from Harvard and is also a lawyer, became an environmentalist after he was arrested for heroin possession in 1983.