Spiritual Forum

By Tony Maglio
TheWrap

Legendary actor and comedian Robin Williams died on Monday, a suspected suicide. He was 63.

The Marin County coroner said in a statement that the death was suspected "to be a suicide due to asphyxia."

"Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late," said the comedian's spokeswoman Mara Buxbaum. "This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time."

His wife, Susan Schneider, added: "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. 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."

Photos: A look back at Williams' life

Williams, who won the Academy Award for best supporting actor for 1998's "Good Will Hunting," is survived by his wife and three children – son Zachary, 31; daughter Zelda, 25 and son Cody, 22. Williams married Schneider, his third wife, in 2011.

Williams, who most recently starred in the CBS comedy "The Crazy Ones," had recently entered rehab in July, though it was reported at the time that he had entered the Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Minnesota in order to maintain his long-term sobriety.

Related: Stars react to Williams' death

The actor, born in Chicago, rose to fame on the "Happy Days" spinoff "Mork and Mindy," playing the space alien Mork from the planet Ork. The actor, who struggled with substance abuse through the decades, went on to big-screen success in films such as "Good Morning, Vietnam," "The Fisher King" and "Good Will Hunting," which earned him the Oscar in the supporting actor category.

As a comedian, Williams was known for his manic genius, though he also proved adept in dramatic roles.

The Marin County Sheriff's Office Coroner Division made the following announcement:

On August 11, 2014, at approximately 11:55 am, Marin County Communications received a 9-1-1 telephone call reporting a male adult had been located unconscious and not breathing inside his residence in unincorporated Tiburon, CA. The Sheriff's Office, as well as the Tiburon Fire Department and Southern Marin Fire Protection District were dispatched to the incident with emergency personnel arriving on scene at 12:00 pm. The male subject, pronounced deceased at 12:02 pm has been identified as Robin McLaurin Williams, a 63 year old resident of unincorporated Tiburon, CA.

An investigation into the cause, manner, and circumstances of the death is currently underway by the Investigations and Coroner Divisions of the Sheriff's Office. Preliminary information developed during the investigation indicates Mr. Williams was last seen alive at his residence, where he resides with his wife, at approximately 10:00 pm on August 10, 2014. Mr. Williams was located this morning shortly before the 9-1-1 call was placed to Marin County Communications. At this time, the Sheriff's Office Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made. A forensic examination is currently scheduled for August 12, 2014 with subsequent toxicology testing to be conducted.