American actor, Robin Williams, has died aged 63 from an apparent suicide, California police have confirmed.
The actor, famous for films including Mrs. Doubtfire, Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting and Good Morning Vietnam, appears to have died from asphyxia and both his wife and family have released statements after his tragic passing.
It’s reported he was found around midday and the police were called by his devastated wife, Susan Schneider, who has issued a statement asking for privacy and that fans remember the ‘joy and laughter he gave to millions.’
“This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings,” the statement began.
“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.”
A press statement from the Marin County Sheriff’s Department in California also read: “On August 11, 2014, at approximately 11.55am, Marin County Communications received a 911 telephone call reporting a male adult had been located unconscious and not breathing inside his residence in unincorporated Tiburon, California.
“The Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Tiburon Fire Department and Southern Marin Fire Protection District were dispatched to the incident with emergency personnel arriving on scene at 12pm.
“The male subject, pronounced deceased at 12.02pm has been identified as Robin McLaurin Williams, a 63-year-old resident of unincorporated Tiburon, California.
“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 10pm on August 10, 2014.
“Mr Williams was located this morning shortly before the 911 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.”
A statement was also issued by his devastated family, with their representative Mara Buxbaum saying: “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.”
His daughter, Zelda, also posted a heartbreaking Instagram as it emerges the actor’s own final picture posted on the social sharing site was one of him cradling her as a toddler.
Zelda’s tribute read: “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 laughingg. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing, when you look at the sky at night…Youn – only you – will have stars that can laugh.”
She signed off with “I love you. I miss you. I’ll try to keep looking up. Z.”
