Robin Williams, the much-loved Hollywood comedian and actor, was found dead in his home in California yesterday.
He was found hanged by his personal assistant at his home, Lt Keith Boyd, the assistant chief deputy coroner, said at a press conference in San Rafael, California.
Lt Boyd said toxicology tests would be performed at a later date and confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing.
Sheriff's officials said on Monday that a preliminary investigation determined the cause of death was suicide due to asphyxia. Williams was 63 and had battled with periodic bouts of substance abuse and depression.
Coroner's officials say he was last seen alive at home around 10.30pm on Sunday and was found unresponsive by paramedics in his house in Tiburon, north of San Francisco, at around 11:55 am on Monday.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mara Buxbaum, his spokesman, released a statement saying he has been struggling with depression in the last few months.
“Rob 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.”
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| Robin with wife, Susan Schneider |
His wife Susan Schneider paid tribute to her husband, who celebrated his birthday last month: "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.”
Williams last posted on his Instagram account two weeks ago, which showed him in happier days with his daughter.
"Happy Birthday to Ms. Zelda Rae Williams! Quarter of a century old today but always my baby girl. Happy Birthday @zeldawilliams Love you!" it said.
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| Robin with daughter, Zelda |
He has battled addictions to drink and alcohol since the late 1970s and early 1980s.
In the early 1990s he said the death of his friend and the birth of his son prompted him to quit drugs: "Was it a wake-up call? Oh yeah, on a huge level. The grand jury helped too."
In 2006, Williams checked himself in to a substance-abuse rehabilitation centre, later admitting that he was an alcoholic.
Last month the star checked into an addiction centre in Minnesota for several weeks.
"After working back-to-back projects, Robin is simply taking the opportunity to fine-tune and focus on his continued commitment, of which he remains extremely proud," his spokesperson said at the time, according to the US website TMZ.
Dubbed “the funniest man alive” by Entertainment Weekly in 1997, Williams rose to fame while playing Mork the alien in the TV show Mork & Mindy, a Happy Days spinoff.
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| Robin Williams won an Oscar for Best Supporting Role in Good Will Hunting |
Williams was perhaps best known, however, for his starring roles in classic comedies like Mrs Doubtfire and Jumanji. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Dr Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting.
Most recently, Williams had his own TV show The Crazy Ones, in which he played the dad of Sarah Michelle Gellar. He was said to have been disappointed that the show was not renewed after its first season.
Williams will appear in the third Night at the Museum film and was set to reprise one of his most famous roles as Mrs Doubtfire in the sequel to the 1993 movie.
“There really are no words to describe the loss of Robin Williams,” Fox, the studio behind the Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, said in a statement last night. “He was immensely talented, a cherished member of our community, and part of the Fox family. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans. He will be deeply missed.”
He is survived by his wife and three children.
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