Surgeon jumps to death off GWB 2 weeks after divorcing Good Morning America correspondent

FORT LEE — The ex-husband of an ABC News medical correspondent took his own life in a jump off the George Washington Bridge on Saturday, the correspondent has confirmed.

The body of Dr. Robert Ashton, 52, was found on Saturday by Palisades Parkway Police near Hazards Dock beneath the bridge in Fort Lee, according to the The Daily Voice of Fort Lee.  Parkway Police in a Tweet said the investigation was turned over to the Port Authority for investigation. Parkway Police have not disclosed the identity of the deceased..

The Daily Voice reported that Ashton and his wife Dr. Jennifer Ashton divorced in January. She is the chief women's health correspondent for ABC News and appears often on Good Morning America. Jennifer Ashton has an OB-GYN practice in Englewood.

"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," Jennifer Ashton wrote on her Facebook page. "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. Please get help. May he Rest In Peace."

The former couple lived separately in The Modern apartment tower in Fort Lee, according to the Daily Voice.

Robert Ashton, according to his Linkedin page, was the executive vice president of operations for Cambridge Therapeutic Technologies. He also performed Thoracic Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center.

New Jersey 101.5 reminds residents that even in the most desperate times, there are avenues to find help:

NJ Hopeline is New Jersey's 24/7 Peer Support & Suicide Prevention Hotline, at 1-855-654-6735. It can be reached 24/7 by text or email to njhopeline@ubhc.rutgers.edu. Its specialists are available at any time for confidential telephone counseling.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 1-800-273 TALK (8255). The lifeline also offers online chat, as well as speciality help for veterans, young adults and victims of bullying.

Crisis centers are available in several areas of New Jersey. See here for a list and contact information.

ALSO: The National Alliance for Mental Illness HelpLine can connect you with resources in your community for longer-term help. The Helpline is 800-950-NAMI (6264)

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

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