Bryan Ferry's ex-wife Lucy Birley shot herself in an apparent suicide, it's been reported today.

The 58-year-old socialite and former model died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in her brother's B&B cottage in County Clare, Ireland, on July 23.

She was surrounded by her beloved dogs at the time.

Her other brother Ed Helmore revealed his sister had been battling depression for some time.

"Lucy fought a long battle with depression, a battle that she lost on Monday," he told MailOnline.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock) (Image: Mirrorpix)

Lucy's body was discovered at their sibling Mark's bed and breakfast property in Ireland, where she had been staying on holiday with her dogs.

Police found a shotgun near her body, and are not seeking anyone else in connection with her death.

"There will be a post mortem and I don't have any details of whether a letter was found. Inquiries are continuing," said County Clare Coroner Ms Isobel O'Dea.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock) (Image: Mirrorpix)

The mother of four, who married singer-songwriter Bryan in 1982 when she was just 22 and divorced him in 2003, was surrounded by her dogs when she died in Ireland, a statement from the family explained.

Her second husband Robin Birley said in the statement: "On Monday Lucy Birley (nee Helmore) passed away whilst on holiday in Ireland, surrounded by her beloved dogs, Daisy, Peg and Daphne.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

"Her husband Robin, and her sons - Otis, Isaac, Tara and Merlin - are understandably devastated and request that their privacy be respected during this difficult time."

In an emotional statement, Bryan added: "I'm much saddened and shocked by this tragic news of Lucy’s death.

"The family request that our privacy be respected during this difficult time," he tweeted.

Lucy, a keen photographer and member of high society, appeared to be alone at the time of her tragic death.

It echoed her 2011 comments to the Guardian about retreating from the spotlight following the breakdown of her 21-year marriage to Bryan.

She told the newspaper: "I didn't want to be put in the spotlight.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

"My family's attitude to the press and publicity was very much that it was frowned upon. You only appeared in papers if you were born, married or had died. That affected me when I got married to Bryan.

"I didn't want to reveal myself and, actually, probably there wasn't much to reveal at that point."

Bryan credited Lucy with putting him on the path to sobriety after his long battle with drugs, but sadly she succumbed to the same demons after the shock death of her father - who, in an eerie coincidence, also died in Ireland in a house fire.

"I know I have an addictive personality. I grew up with alcoholism. My father was an alcoholic. It's genetic, partly," she told the Guardian.

But a nine-week spell in a drying-out clinic in 1993 gave her back her sobriety and she remained teetotal and a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for the rest of her life.

If you are struggling and need to talk, you can call the Samaritans for free at any time of the day or night on 116 123. Alternatively you can email them on jo@samaritans.org (or jo@samaritans.ie for the ROI), or visit the website to find your nearest branch.