BEL AIR—Russell Armstrong, who was the estranged husband of Taylor Armstrong, who appears on the Bravo Channel’s reality hit TV series “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” was found dead in a friend's mansion on Monday night from an apparent suicide, said L.A. Assistant Chief County Coroner Ed Winter. “He was pronounced dead at 8:16 p.m. on Monday. Mr. Armstrong was 47.”

Russell And Taylor Armstrong

In a statement from the Bravo Channel, which airs the reality TV series “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, executive Andy Cohen said, “All of us are deeply saddened by this tragic news. Our sympathy and thoughts are with the Armstrong family at this difficult time.”

His body was found in a home on the 14000 block of Mulholland Drive. The venture capitalist, who was separated from wife Taylor Armstrong at the time of his death, had been featured on the series. The two were caught up in a highly contentious breakup, with Taylor alleging physical and mental abuse by her husband Russell. It has also become a major tabloid tale, with the National Enquirer writing a story about the alleged abuse over the past months. Authorities have said he was found hanging in a guest bedroom at a friend's home, leaving no suicide note.

The apparent suicide on Monday night has left the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” cast and crew devastated. Bravo executive Andy Cohen tweeted, “My prayers and thoughts are with Taylor Armstrong and her family.” While Taylor’s close friend and co-star also Adrienne Maloof also tweeted, “My heart goes out to Taylor Armstrong and Kennedy during this devastating time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.” Canyon News reached out to Maloof’s personal chef Bernie Guzman, who has worked for stars such as Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, Mary J. Blige and Phyllis Diller. Guzman tells Canyon News exclusively, “It is always sad when you feel death is the only way out. My prayers go out to Taylor and Kennedy at this time.”

Russell Armstrong is survived by wife Taylor and 5-year-old daughter Kennedy. Armstrong has 2 sons by a previous relationship. No details of a memorial have been announced.