Actor Robin Williams dead of apparent suicide at 63
Aug 11, 2014, 11:04 PM | Updated: Aug 12, 2014, 1:28 am
Actor and comedian Robin Williams was found dead Monday at his residence in Tiburon, California, according to Marin County Sheriff’s Office officials.
The sheriff’s office received a call just before noon about a man who had been found unconscious and not breathing inside the home.
Williams, 63, was pronounced deceased at 12:02 p.m. after fire crews arrived.
An investigation into the cause and circumstances of the death is currently underway.
Authorities said Williams was last seen at his residence with his wife at 10:00 p.m. Sunday.
The sheriff’s office said it suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but won’t make a ruling until the investigation is complete.
“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,” said Williams’ wife, Susan Schneider. “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 even influenced the most influential man in country.
“He arrived in our lives as an alien, but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit,” said President Barack Obama.
The actor had been battling severe depression recently, said Mara Buxbaum, his press representative.
Below is Williams final Instagram photo, an old picture of him and his daughter, whom the actor said is now 25.
Williams was known for his role in films such as “Dead Poet’s Society,” “Good Morning, Vietnam,” “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Good Will Hunting,” the latter of which earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1998.
Also remembered for his stand-up comedy, Williams last appeared in the 2014 film “Boulevard,” and the CBS series “The Crazy Ones,” which was canceled earlier this year after one season. Before his death, he was scheduled to film a sequel to “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and he was in two other films that are currently in post-production, as well as a third installment of “Night at the Museum” that is still filming.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
