Robin Williams Dies In Suspected Suicide

Early reports from the coroner say the Oscar-winning actor's death was "a suicide due to asphyxia".

11:37am UK, Tuesday 12 August 2014

Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams has been found dead in a suspected suicide.

The 63-year-old star of Good Will Hunting, Good Morning, Vietnam and Mrs Doubtfire was found shortly before midday local time at his home in northern California, police said.
"At this time, the Sheriff's Office Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia," Marin County Sheriff's Department said.
"Preliminary information developed during the investigation indicates Mr Williams was last seen alive at his residence, where he resides with his wife, at approximately 10pm on August 10, 2014.

"Mr Williams was located this morning shortly before the 911 call was placed to Marin County Communications.
"A forensic examination is currently scheduled for August 12, 2014 with subsequent toxicology testing to be conducted."
Emergency services found his body after receiving a 911 call reporting "a male adult had been located unconscious and not breathing inside his residence."
Mara Buxbaum, Williams' press representative, said: "He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss."

Robin Williams and his wife Susan Schneider

Last month it was reported that Williams had checked into a rehab centre in Minnesota to "fine-tune and focus on his continued commitment [to his sobriety]".
Williams' 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.

Williams was found dead at his home in Tiburon, California

"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 daughter Zelda Williams posted an excerpt from French poet and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupery's El Principito.
"You - you alone will have the stars as no one else has them... In one of the stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing.

Robin Williams with his daughter Zelda in 2009

"And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing, when you look at the sky at night... You - only you - will have stars that can laugh."
She added: "I love you. I miss you. I'll try to keep looking up."
Williams' last tweet had been on July 31 when he wished Zelda a happy 25th birthday.
More information about Williams' death is expected to be released later at a press conference scheduled for 7pm UK time (11am LA time).
The actor shot to fame in the late 1970s as an alien in the TV comedy series Mork And Mindy.
But he won his Academy Award in a serious role, as the therapist in Good Will Hunting.
A number of films starring Williams are due for release in coming months, including Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb, which also stars Ben Stiller and Ricky Gervais.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 08457 90 90 90 or email jo@samaritans.org

 http://news.sky.com/story/1317081/robin-williams-dies-in-suspected-suicide