Robin Williams Cause Of Death: Coroner Rules 'Good Will Hunting' Actor Died By Asphyxia After Hanging Himself

Robin Williams, legendary comedian and Oscar-winning actor, was discovered dead in his California home at the age of 63. The news came as a shock to family, friends and fans of Williams, who remember him fondly for his characteristic ear-to-ear smile and his trademark, hilarious laugh. Williams was well known for his roles in iconic films including, “Good Will Hunting,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Jack,” and “Good Morning Vietnam,” however his battle with depression and substance abuse was less known in the public sector.

While Williams did openly discuss his battle with depression, and addiction most recently in a 2008 interview with Larry King, the actor seemed like he had finally overcome these demons that had tragically haunted him for decades, after completing a stint in rehab. But now after news of his death broke, the truth behind his depression was revealed. According to reports Williams was discovered “unconscious and not breathing” in his home at around noon yesterday, Williams lives just outside San Francisco in California. The cause of his death was initially revealed through the radio transmission of a Marin County Fire dispatcher who stated that emergency services were responding to “apparent suicide attempt by hanging.”

The full statement from the Marin County Sheriff's Department in California reads,” On Aug. 11, 2014, at approximately 11:55 a.m., Marin County Communications received a 9-1-1 telephone call reporting a male adult had been located unconscious and not breathing inside his residence in unincorporated Tiburon, CA. 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 12 p.m. The male subject, pronounced deceased at 12:02 p.m. has been identified as Robin McLaurin Williams, a 63-year-old resident of unincorporated Tiburon, CA. 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 10 p.m. on Aug. 10, 2014. Mr. Williams was located this morning shortly before the 9-1-1 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 Aug. 12, 2014 with subsequent toxicology testing to be conducted.”

While an autopsy is set to be carried out today, Marin County Sherriff’s Office did state that Robin William’s death appears to be a suicide, with the official cause of death being asphyxia. TMZ has reported that Williams suffered asphyxia after hanging himself inside the main home. The report also claims that the family has not yet discovered a suicide note, and it tragically looks as though the actor did not write one to his loved ones.

According to Williams’s rep Mara Buxbaum, the actor had been battling severe depression recently. He announced just last month that he was seeking out help in rehab with a 12-step-program; the actor reportedly needed more help after 18 months of nonstop work.