Entertainment

Robin Williams hanged himself in his home: Sheriff's Office

The Marin County Sheriff's Office, north of San Francisco, described the circumstances around the death of actor Robin Williams, in a news conference.

Actor's children pay tribute in statements

Robin Williams hanged himself in his home according to police investigating the actor’s death. (CBC)

Robin Williams hanged himself in his home north of San Francisco according to police investigating the actor’s death.

In an update Tuesday, Lt. Keith Boyd with the Marin County Sheriff's Office described how the actor’s personal assistant found the star’s body after he failed to respond to knocks at his door.

The 63-year-old was also found with superficial wounds to his left wrist.  

Lt. Boyd confirmed that the actor, who had been open about his struggles with addiction, was being treated for depression at the time of his death.
Zelda Williams, Williams's second wife, Marsha Williams, and his son Cody Alan Williams attend a NYC gala in 2010. (Jemal Countess/Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation/Getty Images)

He also said Williams likely killed himself sometime after his wife went to bed around 10:30 on Sunday night. His body was discovered late Monday morning.

"We will use known facts to try to surmise when the death may have occurred. We’re not discussing the note, or a note, at this point as an investigation is ongoing."

Toxicology tests are being conducted to determine if Williams was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time. Results won’t be available for two to six weeks.

Daughter pays tribute to her late father

Tributes for the famed comedian continued to pour in Monday and Tuesday from fans, celebrities and family members, including from his daughterZelda Williams.

Zach Williams, seen here on the left with Alex Mallick and his father Robin Williams in 2006, is Robin Williams's first-born. He tends to stay out of the public eye. (David Paul Morris/Getty Images)

Just hours after her father's body was discovered, the 25-year-old posted a heart-wrenching message on Twitter.

Zelda Williams quoted Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's book The Little Prince: “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 laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing, when you look at the sky at night, you — only you— will have stars that can laugh.” 

Following the quote, she added, "I'll try to keep looking up."

Earlier this summer, the Good Will Hunting star announced through a spokesperson that he was returning to rehab to "reconnect" with his 12-step program.

In an emotional post just two weeks before his death, the actor sent a heartwarming message to Zelda for her 25th birthday that included an old snapshot of the pair in happier times.

In the accompanying caption, Williams wrote, "Happy Birthday to Ms. Zelda Rae Williams! Quarter of a century old today but always my baby girl."

In addition to his daughter, named after the popular Nintendo game The Legend of ZeldaWilliams is survived by her brother Cody Alan Williams, 22, his third wife, Susan Schneider, and his son from his first marriage, Zachary Pym Williams.

Kids have entertainment bug too

Like his father and sister, Cody has tried his hand at Hollywood, working as an assistant director. 

"Yesterday, I lost my father and a best friend and the world got a little grayer," Zak Williams said in a statement Tuesday. "I will carry his heart with me every day. I would ask those that loved him to remember him by being as gentle, kind, and generous as he would be. Seek to bring joy to the world as he sought."

According to the Internet Movie Database, he recently worked with Canadian director David Cronenberg in Los Angeles on Maps to the Stars

Schneider was the last person to see the actor alive around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday night.

Just before noon Monday, the Sheriff's Department received an emergency call from the home, where​ Williams was later pronounced dead. 

Shortly after a preliminary investigation determined the cause of death was suicide due to asphyxia, Schneider released an emotional statement on the family's behalf:

"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," it said.

"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."

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

Robin Williams's last post was this touching image on Instagram two weeks ago. The late actor posted an old photo of himself with this daughter Zelda, wishing his 'baby girl' a happy 25th birthday. (therobinwilliams/Instagram)

With files from the The Associated Press