Police confirm Williams took own life
AP August 13, 2014, 7:24 am
Californian police have confirmed actor Robin Williams took his own life and died of asphyxia. AAP
Actor and comedian Robin Williams took his own life, San Francisco sheriff's officials say.
Marin County Sheriff's Lieutenant Keith Boyd said on Tuesday that Williams was found in a bedroom at his Tiburon home by his personal assistant on Monday.
Boyd said toxicology tests will be performed and the investigation is ongoing.
Sheriff's officials said on Monday a preliminary investigation determined the cause of death was suicide due to asphyxia. Williams was 63 and had suffered for years from periodic bouts of substance abuse and depression.
Williams' press representative Mara Buxbaum said the actor had been battling severe depression recently. Just last month, Williams announced he was returning to a 12-step treatment program.
Coroner's officials say he was last seen alive at home around 10pm local time on Sunday.
Shortly before noon on Monday, the Sheriff's Department received an emergency call from the home, where the star of Good Will Hunting, Mrs Doubtfire and Good Morning, Vietnam lived.
Williams made reference to his substance abuse and depression in his comedy routines, including when he sought treatment in 2006 after a relapse that followed 20 years of sobriety.
Williams joked about that fall off the wagon during a comedy tour, saying: "I went to rehab in wine country to keep my options open."
Likewise, when word spread about his struggles with drugs in the early 1980s, Williams responded with a joke that for a time became a catchphrase for his generation's recreational drug use: "Cocaine is God's way of telling you you are making too much money."
Williams had lived in the quiet, waterfront neighbourhood of Tiburon for eight years, according to neighbours.
Noreen Nieder said Williams was a friendly neighbour who always said hello and engaged in small talk. Nieder said she wasn't close to Williams and his family, but she still felt comfortable enough to approach him and ask him about his latest stint in drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
"He was very open about it," Nieder said. "He told me he was doing well."
Fans and friends placed bouquets, candles and personal notes in front of the locked gates of Williams' house.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
