At the time of his death, Robert Ashton served as the thoracic surgery director at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY and chief thoracic surgeon at Hackensack University Medical Center in NJ.
He lived across the street from his ex wife’s, Dr Jennifer Ashton in Fort Lee, NJ, as they shared two teenage children, Alex and Chloe, together.
“Our hearts r broken that the father of my teenage children took his own life yesterday,” Jennifer Ashton wrote in a  Facebook post, in the wake of the announcement of the apparent suicide of her recently divorced husband.
“As an MD he helped so many and we will remember his warmth generosity and kindness.”

“We know that many families struggle everyday with depression while others like us don’t have any warning,” she wrote. “We hope by sharing some of Rob’s story it will save others the heartache we feel. You are never alone. Pls get help. May he Rest In Peace.”
Robert Ashton, a veteran surgeon, recognized internationally in his field, had extensive experience in clinical medicine and surgery. He was a renowned academic with more than 75 original manuscripts and abstracts to his credit.
His body was recovered at Hazard’s Dock in Palisades Interstate Park.