Oscar-winning actor and renowned comedian Robin Williams hanged himself in his California home and died by asphyxia, a coroner said on Tuesday based on preliminary findings But before using the belt, Robin had tried to kill himself by slitting his wrist with a pocket knife. When that suicide attempt failed, he used a belt.
Williams, 63, was found dead by his personal assistant at midday on Monday, suspended from a belt wedged between a door and a door frame in a seated position just of the ground, Marin County’s assistant chief deputy coroner, Keith Boyd, told a news conference.
“Mr Williams’ personal assistant became concerned at approximately 11:45 when he failed to respond to knocks on his bedroom door,” said Boyd.
“His right shoulder area was touching the door with his body perpendicular to the door and slightly suspended.
Mr Williams at that time was cool to the touch with rigor mortis present in his body,” Boyd added.
Officials also found a pocket knife near Williams and cuts with dried blood on his wrist that matched the knife blade.
Williams had been seeking treatment for depression, Boyd said and even went to a Minnesota rehab facility just last month. He would not discuss if Williams had left a suicide note.
Funeral arrangements would be decided by the family, Boyd said. His body has been released by the coroner facility in neighbouring Napa County.