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It took 50 years for their love story to come together. Then, Barbara Bushkin's car went into the Potomac River

The Fairfax County philanthropist's body was pulled from her SUV Monday night. DC Police still are not saying what may have been the cause.

For a moment, Arthur Bushkin's voice quivers. Bushkin is still in shock, after his wife died over the weekend when her SUV rolled into the Potomac River.

Bushkin says his wife was leaving a charity event when she stopped at Roosevelt Island. Bushkin believes his wife was either messaging her children or fell asleep or had a medical emergency. Witnesses watched Sunday night as her SUV rolled into the Potomac River. 

It wasn't until late Monday night that the 72-year-old's body was pulled from her SUV.

Credit: Fairfax County PD
Barbara Bushkin in a photo from Fairfax County PD.

It's a tragic end to an unusual and beautiful love story. Arthur and Barbara met in high school when he was 17 and she was 14. They were living in the Chicago area and became best friends instantly. 

They eventually lost touch, but five decades later, both of them were single.

"I searched for years and she searched for me," said Arthur Bushkin.

Arthur finally tracked her down through the internet. In 2011, the lifelong valentines were married. They vowed to each other to do a kind act every day. 

They made Vienna, Virginia their home and started foundations, clinics and supported education programs.

They would eventually write a book together called Lifelong Valentines, that has inspired others with their love story.

DC Police said Bushkin's death is still under investigation and no cause has been cited.

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