Russell Armstrong Told Pal Just Before Suicide: 'Reality TV Ruined My Life'

Posted on Aug 16, 2011 @ 04:30PM

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WENN

Russell Armstrong broke down just days before he committed suicide and admitted to a friend that reality TV had destroyed his life.

In an exclusive interview with RadarOnline.com Tom Vickers reveals how in his final days Russell was 'somber' and 'withdrawn' and blamed Real Housewives for turning his life upside down.

"It's terrible news," said the photographer, who forged a friendship with Russell over recent months and last spoke to him on August 4. "But during our phone call he didn't sound like the Russell that I knew.

PHOTOS: Russell Armstrong and Taylor Armstrong In Happier Times

"He was down in the dumps over the latest allegations that he had abused Taylor. I told him people don't believe everything they read and he told me; 'It's funny how a reality show can ruin your entire life.'"

At the time of his death he was facing divorce drama with Taylor who accused him of physically abusing her.

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But while he vehemently denied laying a finger on her, Vickers said he didn't feel up to telling his side of the story.

"He told me the allegations were absolutely not true and that he wanted people to hear that from him. But he admitted he was too emotional and that there was too much to handle.

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"He said: 'I hope when I'm ready to speak people will be kind to me.'

"I don't know what has happened with him in the past, but I do know that he seemed like a really good man. He was always cheerful and he had a real Southern charm about him.

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"It's a really sad time and I'm sure there will be a lot of people who will miss him."

Russell was found hanged in a house in Beverly Hills on Monday night.

Russell Armstrong's Ex-Wife Says 'Taylor Drove Him' To Suicide

'Real Housewives' Taylor Armstrong 'Hysterical' After Estranged Husband's Suicide

'Real Housewives' Russell Armstrong Commits Suicide

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Let's get this straight. Tom Vickers is a Splash photographer who was sent to take staged photos of Russell, Taylor and their daughter. And over the 4-months Vickers became close to them....great source Radar

by BabsAngelo
Posted Tue, 08/16/2011 - 7:34pm

His wife did nothing but tear him down and denigrate him at every opportunity. She was his worst enemy.
Total injustice. Her meal ticket just got shredded. That is justice.

by idomind
Posted Tue, 08/16/2011 - 6:28pm

Well.....he has spoken.....may God bless you

by EarthAngel
Posted Tue, 08/16/2011 - 5:36pm

Depression is a serious mental illness. No spouse or TV show is to blame when depression overwhelms a person to the point of suicide. Condolences to the family and friends. How sad for all of them.

by adb
Posted Tue, 08/16/2011 - 4:45pm

Still, her behavior didn't help.

by rainbow
Posted Tue, 08/16/2011 - 5:43pm

It must have been too much for him to have his dirty laundry aired in front of the whole world. If he could have just believed what his friend said. Because now, most comments seem to be in his favor, not his wife's.

by MW
Posted Tue, 08/16/2011 - 4:03pm

He obviously had a mental health problem that went untreated & as a result chose to end his life than seek help. Unfortunately there too many people like him in the world the end up killing themselves because they think it's the only option.

by MeLu
Posted Tue, 08/16/2011 - 3:26pm

This is horrible! I feel so bad for him. He was kind of pathetic on the show but he probably didnt want to be on it. who knows. leaving behind his daughter who seemed to be his pride and joy.

by crazyinaz
Posted Tue, 08/16/2011 - 3:22pm