Taylor Armstrong Found Russell's Body

USMagazine, Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 5:34am (PDT)

It's a horrifying moment that Taylor Armstrong will never forget.

An insider confirms to Us Weekly that the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 40, discovered the body of her estranged husband Russell.

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Russell, 47, hanged himself in a private residence on L.A.'s Mulholland Drive, the LAPD confirmed to Us on Tuesday.

Over the weekend, according to the source, Taylor grew concerned when she had not heard from Russell (father to her daughter Kennedy, 3) for several days. Finally, at the urging of a pal, the reality star and her assistant went to the house to check in on Russell, where they made their heartbreaking discovery.

VIDEO: Taylor and Russell struggle in their marriage on camera

The L.A. Coroner was in the process of examining Russell's body on Tuesday.

"Taylor Armstrong is devastated at the tragic events that have unfolded," her rep told Us in a statement on Tuesday. "She requests privacy at this time so that she may comfort her young daughter."

Taylor filed for divorce on July 15 from Russell, citing physical and verbal abuse.

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"Russell was dealing with a heavy amount of emotional and familial distress. His life was in shambles," another insider explained to Us.

If you think you or a loved one are in an emotional or suicidal crisis, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline online, or call 800.273.TALK.

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