BEVERLY HILLS, August 11, (THEWILL) – Oscar-winning actor and comedian, Robin Williams, 63, died Monday at his home in Tiburon, Marin County in northern California.
The Marin County Sheriff’s Office has ruled his death a suicide “due to asphyxia”.
The Sheriff’s office said, “but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made.”
Williams lived with his wife at the home where he was found dead. Williams’ publicist Mara Buxbaum in a statement to the media said, “… Robin Williams 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.”
His wife, Susan Schneider, said: “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.”
Below is the full statement from the Sheriff’s Office:
On August 11, 2014, at approximately 11:55 a.m, 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 Division s 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.
The actor was well known for a long career of film, television and stand-up comedy, including the 1978-82 sitcom “Mork and Mindy” and the films “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993) and “The World According to Garp” (1982).
