Ari Behn, the ex-husband of Princess Martha Louise of Norway, has died by suicide.
The 47-year-old author’s manager confirmed the tragic news via a statement.
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“It’s with great sorrow in our hearts that we, those closest to Ari Behn, must report that he took his own life today. We ask for respect for our private lives in the time to come,” Geir Håkonsund told PEOPLE.
The statement continued: “The family has asked me to convey that they are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support and all the condolences they have received during this tough time. It’s really good to see that Ari has meant so much to so many people.”
Behn and Princess Martha Louise were married for 14 years before calling it quits in 2016. The former couple share three daughters: Maud Angelica, 16, Leah Isadora, 14, and Emma Tallulah, 11.
The Norwegian royal family released a statement, saying they are grieving the loss of a beloved father, son and brother.
“We are grateful that we got to know him. We grieve that our grandchildren have now lost their beloved father — and have deep compassion for his parents and siblings, who have now lost their beloved son and brother,” the statement read.
Princess Martha Louise, is now dating American spiritual guide to the A-List, Shaman Durek.
After the couple split in 2016, Princess Martha Louise discussed parting ways.
“We are human,” Princess Martha Louise said at the time.
She continued: “It’s unspeakably sad for both of us to discover that the road ahead doesn’t run as it once did. Like so many others, we’ve grown apart. We’ve tried everything over a long period of time … but it’s impossible for us to go on,” the royal said.
He also famously accused Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey of groping him in 2007.
“We had a great talk, he sat right beside me. After five minutes, he said, ‘Hey, let’s go out and have a cigarette.’ Then he puts his hand under the table and grabs me by the balls,” Behn told radio station P4.
“Er, maybe later,” Behn said he told Spacey.
He added: “My hair was dark at the time, I was 10 years younger and right up his alley.”
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