MOSCOW, November 8 (RIA Novosti) — Oscar winning comic actor Robin Williams’ death in August was officially ruled a suicide following investigation and toxicology tests on his body, coroners said Friday.
Robert T. Doyle, coroner for Marin County, said that the investigation into William’s death had concluded and gave the cause of death as "asphyxia due to hanging" and the manner of death as "suicide".
"Toxicological evaluation revealed the absence of alcohol or illicit drugs. Prescription medications were detected in therapeutic concentrations," the Marin County Sheriff’s Office added in a brief statement as cited by AFP.
The 63-year-old comedian was found dead on August 11 by his personal assistant in the San Francisco Bay Area city of Tiburon. William’s death was preliminary ruled a suicide, with an official saying the actor hang himself with a belt.
A few days after his death, Williams’s wife, Susan Schneider said the actor was suffering from depression, anxiety and the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, Williams had spoken openly in the past about periodic struggle with alcoholism and drug abuse. He had started a substance abuse rehabilitation course shortly before his death.
Williams was last seen alive the day before his death by his wife before she went to bed. The next day, she left the house thinking he was still asleep in a separate room in the house. Shortly after that, Williams’ personal assistant came to the home and found the actor clothed and dead in a bedroom.
The actor also had superficial cuts on his wrist, and a pocketknife was found nearby, according to Marin County sheriff’s Lt. Keith Boyd.
The results of Williams’ autopsy were due to be released on September 20. However, Marin County officials then announced a November 3 release, but yet again the report was delayed further.
Williams, a veteran of comedies, stand-up shows and hit television series, was one of Hollywood’s most popular entertainers. In 1997, he won an Oscar for his role in the drama "Good Will Hunting". He starred in many critically acclaimed movies, including "Good Morning Vietnam", "The Dead Poets Society" and "Awakenings", as well as in box-office hits such as "Mrs. Doubtfire", "Jumanji" and "Night at the Museum".
Williams’ ashes were scattered in San Francisco Bay, according to media reports.
