The ex-husband of ABC News' Chief Women's Health Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton tragically took his own life on Saturday in New Jersey.

Dr. Robert C. Ashton Jr., 52, a noted thoracic surgeon, tragically jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge, The Fort Lee Daily Voice reported.

Authorities said his body was recovered from an area of 'Palisades Interstate Park along the Hudson known as Hazard's Dock shortly after he jumped around 8:40am on Saturday.'

Sources tell DailyMail.com Robert and Jennifer, who was previously a contributor to The Doctors and was named the first-ever Chief Women's Health Correspondent for The Dr. Oz Show in 2016, amicably divorced and remained friends.

Tragic: Dr. Robert C. Ashton Jr., the ex-husband of ABC News' Chief Women's Health Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton (pictured together above) tragically took his own life on Saturday in New Jersey

Dr. Robert C. Ashton Jr. (far right), 52, a noted thoracic surgeon, jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge. Above Jennifer is pictured second left, their daughter Chloe is third left, as their son, Alex, is second right

Sources tell DailyMail.com Robert and Jennifer, who was previously a contributor to The Doctors, amicably divorced recently. Above Jennifer is pictured during an appearance on The Doctors

He was the thoracic surgery director at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and chief thoracic surgeon at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Robert had reportedly lived across the street from Jennifer's home, as they have two teenage children, Alex and Chloe, together.

In making the announcement about his death on social media, Jennifer wrote a heartbreaking post about his 'generosity and kindness.'

'Our hearts r (sic) broken that the father of my teenage children took his own life yesterday,' she wrote.

Since ending their marriage together, the former couple had remained friends, a source told DailyMail.com. Above Jennifer is pictured during an appearance on The Doctors alongside her daughter Chloe

Robert (left) had reportedly lived across the street from Jennifer's (right) home, as they have two teenage children, Alex and Chloe, together

Authorities said his body was recovered from an area of 'Palisades Interstate Park along the Hudson known as Hazard's Dock shortly after he jumped'. File above of the George Washington Bridge

'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.

'We hope by sharing some of Rob’s story it will save others the heartache we feel. You are never alone. Pls (sic) get help. May he Rest In Peace'.

In a note ABC News president James Goldston sent to staff, he wrote: 'Team - I have very sad news to share. Dr Jen Ashton's ex-husband, Rob, passed away suddenly this weekend, taking his own life yesterday.

Police say the well-known surgeon jumped from the George Washington Bridge (file above) around 8:40am on Saturday

In making the announcement about his death on social media, Jennifer wrote a heartbreaking post (above) about his 'generosity and kindness'

'He leaves behind his beloved family, including their two teenage children. Rob was deeply loved by his family and friends and the countless people he helped in his many years as a physician.

'Jen and her children are heartbroken, but they know many families struggle with depression, some for years while others, like them, have no warning.

'They hope by sharing some of Rob's story it will save others the heartache they feel.

'Jen is taking this time to grieve and care for her family. Please join me in keeping them all in your thoughts and prayers. James'.

Outside of being ABC News' Chief Women's Health Correspondent, Dr. Jennifer Ashton often appears on several television shows. Above she is pictured during a broadcast of The Revolution, which aired until 2012

ABC News President James Goldston sent an email company-wide offering his condolences to Jennifer (above) and her family, as he announced she would be taking some time to grieve

Robert received his medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania and had been in practice for more than 20 years.

Jennifer is a board-certified practicing obstetrician and gynecologist, who is affectionately referred to as your all-in-one 'BFF/Ob-Gyn', according to her website.

She earned her medical degree from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in 2000, and a Master's of Science Degree in Nutrition from Columbia University in 2016.

The mother-of-two is the author of three books, as she also has a private medical practice she founded in New Jersey.