UPDATE: Tuesday, August 11, 2014 4:00 PM EST
Authorities confirmed Tuesday that actor and comedian Robin Williams hanged himself with a belt in his San Francisco Bay Area home.
Marin County Sheriff Lt. Keith Boyd said Williams was last seen Sunday night by his wife before she went to bed. The next morning she woke up and went to work, thinking he was still asleep.
Shortly after his wife left, Williams’ assistant came to his home and became concerned after the actor failed to respond to the door. The assistant later found the 63-year-old actor in the bedroom and called the police.
Lt. Boyd told reporters:
“…all evidence indicates Williams, star of “Good Will Hunting,” ”Mrs. Doubtfire,” ”Good Morning, Vietnam” and dozens of other films, took his own life, but the final ruling will be made once toxicology reports and interviews with witnesses are complete.”
The condition of the body indicated that Williams had been dead for several hours, and slight cuts were also found on his wrist. The investigation is still ongoing.
SOURCE: Associated Press
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Beloved actor Robin Williams has died at the age of 63 of a suspected suicide.
The Marin County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division released a statement with details on his death.
On August 11, 2014, at approximately 11:55 am, Marin County Communications received a 9-1-1 telephone call reporting a male adult had been located unconscious and not breathing inside his residence in unincorporated Tiburon, CA. The Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Tiburon Fire Department and Southern Marin Fire Protection District were dispatched to the incident with emergency personnel arriving on scene at 12:00 pm. The male subject, pronounced deceased at 12:02 pm has been identified as Robin McLaurin Williams, a 63 year old resident of unincorporated Tiburon, CA.
An investigation into the cause, manner, and circumstances of the death is currently underway by the Investigations and Coroner Divisions of the Sheriff’s Office. Preliminary information developed during the investigation indicates Mr. Williams was last seen alive at his residence, where he resides with his wife, at approximately 10:00 pm on August 10, 2014. Mr. Williams was located this morning shortly before the 9-1-1 call was placed to Marin County Communications. At this time, the Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made. A forensic examination is currently scheduled for August 12, 2014 with subsequent toxicology testing to be conducted.
Robin’s wife, Susan Schneider, released a statement:
This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin’s family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin’s death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.
His publicist Mara Buxbaum told The Hollywood Reporter:
Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.
The last message Robin posted online was a #tbt Instagram post for his daughter, Zelda:
#tbt and Happy Birthday to Ms. Zelda Rae Williams! Quarter of a century old today but always my baby girl. Happy Birthday @zeldawilliams Love you!
Story developing…
SOURCE: MarinSheriff.org | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
