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Oscar winner and comedian Robin Williams died this morning in an apparent suicide.

He was 63 years old.

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His publicist Mara Buxbaum released the following statement:

“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.”

Williams’ wife, Susan Schneider, issued the following 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. 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.”

Best known for his role as Mrs. Doubtfire, a role he was set to reprise in an upcoming sequel, Williams won an Oscar for his supporting role in “Good Will Hunting.”

The cause of death suspected by the sheriff’s department is “suicide due to asphyxia.”

Read the Marin County Coronor’s office press release below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Lt. Keith Boyd

Assistant Chief Deputy Coroner

415-827-8202

kboyd@marinsheriff.org

August 11, 2014

Investigation into Death of Actor Robin Williams

On August 11, 2014, at approximately 11:55 am, 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

12:00 pm. The male subject, pronounced deceased at 12:02 pm 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 10:00

pm on August 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 August 12, 2014 with subsequent

toxicology testing to be conducted.

Media inquiries should be directed to Lt. Keith Boyd at 415-827-8202 or kboyd@marinsheriff.org