[dropcap]E[/dropcap]ARLY autopsy results have concluded tragic actor Robin Williams died from “asphyxia due to hanging”.
The Oscar-winning Good Will Hunting star’s body was discovered in a room at his home in Tiburon, California on Monday morning (11Aug14).
His publicist Mara Buxbaum confirmed the comedian, who had spent years dealing with drug and alcohol issues, had been battling “severe depression of late” and had been receiving treatment weeks after checking into the Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Minnesota to focus on maintaining his sobriety.
A forensic examination was performed on Williams’ remains on Tuesday morning (12Aug14) and at a press conference held shortly afterwards, Lieutenant Keith Boyd, Assistant Chief Deputy Coroner for Marin County, revealed the 63-year-old had hanged himself with a belt.
He explained, “Mr. Williams’ personal assistant became concerned at approximately 11.45am (on Monday) when he failed to respond to knocks on his bedroom door. “At that time, the personal assistant was able to gain access to Mr Williams’ bedroom, and entered the bedroom to find Mr Williams clothed, in a seated position, unresponsive, with a belt secured around his neck with the other end of the belt wedged between the clothes closet door and the door frame..”. Police investigating his death noted “several acute, superficial, transverse cuts” on his left wrist, while a pocket knife “with a closed blade” was also found nearby. The case is being treated as a suicide. Toxicology results are pending and are expected to be revealed within two to six weeks. Lieutenant Boyd declined to discuss whether a suicide note was found at the scene.
Stars Campaign for mental health awareness after Robin Williams’ Death
STARS including Lady Gaga and Lena Dunham are leading calls to raise awareness of mental health issues following the death of Hollywood legend Robin Williams.
The Mrs Doubtfire star was found dead at his home in California on Monday (11Aug14) at the age of 63, and initial reports suggest he committed suicide.
His publicist confirmed the actor had been suffering from depression in the months before his death, and he also spent years battling addiction issues.
He had checked into rehab over the summer (14) to “maintain his sobriety”.
The news of his death has sent shockwaves around the Hollywood community, and a number of stars have now reached out to fans to campaign on behalf of others struggling with mental illness. Lady Gaga, who runs the Born This Way Foundation to help young fans, writes in a series of posts on Twitter.com, “Rest in PeaceLaughter Robin Williams. Perhaps this tragedy will shed light on the seriousness of depression. You made us all so so happy... Please reach out to E280AABornthiswayfoundation.orgC2A0E280ACif you are struggling with depression, mental illness or addiction. You are not alone”.
Rock legend Alice Cooper also asked any fans suffering from depression to see a doctor, adding, “E280AARobinWilliamsE280AC gone. If you struggle with E280AAdepressionE280AC SEE a doc! (sic)” Actress Dunham held a minute’s silence on the set of her TV show Girls after hearing of Williams’ passing, and she has also joined calls to raise awareness of mental illness, writing, “A tragic reminder that the conversation about mental health CANNOT stop. Money, fame, artistic freedom - none of it is a barrier”.
Tom Hanks’ actress wife Rita Wilson, who was a friend of Williams, adds, “I will remember your warmth, kindness, unparalleled talent, generosity, beautiful children, Robin Williams... To anyone struggling with this issue, US suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255”.
