HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — The Marin County Coroner Tuesday said a preliminary investigation indicated that comedian Robin Williams died as a result of asphyxia due to hanging.
The coroner provided new details into the his death during an 11 a.m. news conference.
The comedian and Oscar-winning actor was found unconscious and not breathing Monday afternoon at his home in Tiburon in the San Francisco Bay area.
The 63-year-old was last seen alive by wife around 10:30 p.m. Monday. She left the family home about 12 hours later, believing her husband was still asleep.
Williams’ assistant, who became concerned for his well-being after he failed to answer phone calls and knocks on his bedroom door, found his body around 11:45 a.m. and called 911.
She 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,” Lt. Keith Boyd said. “His right shoulder area was touching the door with his body perpendicular to the door and slightly suspended. Mr. Williams, at that time, was cold to the touch and rigor mortis present in his body.”
Williams also had superficial cuts on his left wrist and a pocket knife was located near his body.
He was pronounced dead by fire officials at 12:02 p.m.
There was no indication that Williams had been involved in a struggle or altercation before his death, Boyd said.
Toxicology results to determine if he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be available for two to six weeks.
Mara Buxbaum, Williams’ publicist, issued a statement saying he had been suffering from “severe depression” lately and had been seeking treatment. It was unclear if this was his first suicide attempt.
Funeral plans have not been announced.
Williams is survived by his wife and three children.
Flowers Tuesday were placed on Williams’ star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 9:30 a.m. and joined the growing memorial to the star that is already in place.
Throughout his career, Williams was nominated for three Academy Awards and won the best supporting actor Oscar for his role in Good Will Hunting . He also won four Golden Globes, for Mork Mindy , Good Morning, Vietnam , Mrs. Doubtfire and The Fisher King in addition to two Emmy Awards, two Screen Actors Guild awards and five Grammys.
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