In a shocking development, Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams was found dead in his San Francisco home.
Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams was found dead in his San Francisco home late Monday night of a possible suicide, according to investigators, Robin was 63.
The Marin County Sheriff’s Office said Robin Williams was found unconscious and not breathing at his house in Tiburon, USA, around noon local time and was pronounced dead shortly after. Tiburon is across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
According to reports August 11, 2014 actor Robin Williams has died of a suspected suicide in Tiburon, California. He was 63.
The sheriff’s press release identified him by his full name, Robin McLaurin Williams. Investigators also said they will hold a press conference on Tuesday at 11 am ET.
The county coroner suspects the death was “a suicide due to asphyxia,” which could mean death by hanging, but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made; an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, the press release said.
Robin Williams PR confirmed the death.
“Robin Williams has passed away this morning,” said Mara Buxbaum, president of his PR firm. “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.” His wife, Susan Schneider, issued a brief statement: “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,” she said.
The news of his death sent shock waves through Hollywood and the nation, and prompted an outpouring of grieving tweets social network activity and a statement from the President of the United States. Obama said in a statement. “He was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien in Mork and Mindy – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immense talent freely and generously to those who needed it most – from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets. The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin’s family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams.”
In San Francisco, where Williams for a while lived in the fog-shrouded ocean-side Sea Cliff neighborhood, residents were shocked and saddened. “He seemed like a good San Franciscan,” said Griff Behncke, 35, who was waiting to take the ferry ride back to Sausalito, near Tiburon. He remembers Robin Williams donating blood after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, and then entertaining the long line of people waiting to donate.
Robin Williams, won an Oscar for his supporting role in Good Will Hunting, also recently signed on to reprise his beloved role as Mrs. Doubtfire in a sequel to be directed by Chris Columbus, according to EW.
Williams has battled health problems and struggled with substance abuse for decades. Only last month he went into rehab at Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Minnesota, and was expected to stay there for several weeks.
He will be missed by many.
