Robin Williams, who won an Academy Award for his role in Good Will Hunting was found dead this morning from an apparent suicide due to asphyxiation. He was 63-years old.
Here’s a press release from the Marin County Sheriff’s Department:
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’sOffice, as well as the Tiburon Fire Department and Southern Marin Fire ProtectionDistrict were dispatched to the incident with emergency personnel arriving on scene at12:00 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.
In addition to the the Sheriff’s statement, Williams’ publicist also released the following confirming the actor’s death.
“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.”
Finally, Williams’ wife Susan Schneider also released a statement confirming her husbands death:
“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.”
Although the cause of death hasn’t been confirmed, Williams has dealt with alcohol and drug abuse in the past and most recently battled what’s said to be severe depression.
Most known for his roles on the big screen and small screen Williams was also a brilliant stand-up comedian which tended to be a little more edgy than his movie or television roles. This included one of my favorite stand-up performances where Williams discussed how the Scottish invented golf.
Whether you were a fan or not you certainly had to respect Robin Williams’ body of work. He really was really a comedic genius and an actor that could take on multiple roles.
RIP Mrs. Doubtfire.
h/t: Gawker
