Margot Kidder, actress and advocate for mental health issues, died back in May, of what was then reported simply as “unknown causes.” Now, that death has officially been ruled a suicide.
According to the Associated Press, Kidder—who was found in her Montana home on May 13 by a friend—died of “a self-inflicted drug and alcohol overdose,” as listed in the statement released by Park County coroner Richard Wood. Kidder’s daughter Maggie McGuane told press that she instantly knew it was suicide when she arrived at her mother’s home. “It’s a big relief that the truth is out there,” McGuane said. “It’s important to be open and honest so there’s not a cloud of shame in dealing with this.”
Noting that Montana has one of the highest rates of suicide in the nation, McGuane said, “Knowing how many families in this state go through this, I wish that I could reach out to each one of them.” She urged those dealing with mental illness to seek assistance.