Robin Williams' Cause Of Death Revealed

Hollywood star Robin Williams took his own life by hanging himself at home, US police have said.

The cause of death was suicide due to asphyxia, according to a preliminary investigation.

The Oscar-winning actor and comedian was discovered in a bedroom by his personal assistant who had become concerned and entered the room before midday on Monday.

The 63-year-old celebrity was last seen alive by his wife Susan Schneider about 10.30pm the previous evening before she went to bed.

When she left the property the following morning, she thought he was still asleep in another room, before his PA found him and raised the alarm.

Marin County Sheriff's Lieutenant Keith Boyd said toxicology tests will be carried out and the investigation was ongoing.

Movie fans and the film industry were left in shock after Williams' death in Tiburon, Marin County, north of San Francisco.

The US star of hit movies including Good Will Hunting, Mrs Doubtfire and Good Morning, Vietnam had recently grappled with severe depression.

He battled addiction for decades and checked himself back into rehab last month.

His wife said she had "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.

"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".

US President Barack Obama said: "He was one of a kind. He made us laugh. He made us cry."

Prince Charles, who met Williams several times, also paid tribute, saying: "He was a remarkable man, whose wonderful frenetic humour brought a special kind of laughter into people's lives."

Steven Spielberg, who directed Williams in the 1991 film Hook, called the actor "a lightning storm of comic genius" saying "our laughter was the thunder that sustained him".

Night At The Museum co-star Ben Stiller praised Williams' "kindness and generosity" adding "And he could not help but be funny all the time.

Williams' last tweet had been on July 31 when he wished daughter Zelda a happy 25th birthday and posted a picture of him with her when she was a baby.

The actor first found fame in the late 1970s as an alien in the TV comedy series Mork And Mindy.

But he won his Academy Award in a serious role, as the therapist in Good Will Hunting.

A number of films starring Williams are due for release in coming months, including Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb, which also stars Ben Stiller and Ricky Gervais.

A sequel to Mrs Doubtfire was thought to be in the works but it has been reported that this will now not go ahead without Williams.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 08457 90 90 90 or email jo@samaritans.org