Police have confirmed that Robin Williams took his own life after the heroic actor and comedian hanged himself in his California home, causing death by asphyxia.
Marin County's assistant chief deputy coroner Keith Boyd explained that Williams was found dead at around noon on Monday (August 11).
The comic legend famously battled with depression with his publicist revealing the 63-year-old had recently been seeking help with the illness.
His wife last saw him on the Sunday evening, leaving the family home at 10.30am on the Monday, presuming he was just asleep in another room before his personal assistant discovered Robin's body after concern grew when he didn't respond to her knocking on the door.
Robin Williams death confirmed as suicide (FameFlynet UK)
The investigation into Robin Williams' death will continue, as a full toxicology report will take a few more weeks. His three children, Zelda, Zak and Cody have since paid tribute to their father describing him as, "one of the kindest, most generous souls," adding, "the entire world is forever a little darker, less colorful and less full of laughter in his absence."
Daughter Zelda lead the heart-breaking tributes in a statement which read: "My family has always been private about our time spent together. It was our way of keeping one thing that was ours, with a man we shared with an entire world. But now that's gone, and I feel stripped bare.
Robin Williams with daughter Zelda (FameFlynet UK)
"My last day with him was his birthday, and I will be forever grateful that my brothers and I got to spend that time alone with him, sharing gifts and laughter. He was always warm, even in his darkest moments.
"While I'll never, ever understand how he could be loved so deeply and not find it in his heart to stay, there's minor comfort in knowing our grief and loss, in some small way, is shared with millions.
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'"It doesn't help the pain, but at least it's a burden countless others now know we carry, and so many have offered to help lighten the load. Thank you for that.
"To those he touched who are sending kind words, know that one of his favourite things in the world was to make you all laugh. As for those who are sending negativity, know that some small, giggling part of him is sending a flock of pigeons to your house to poop on your car. Right after you've had it washed. After all, he loved to laugh too…
Robin Williams family pay tribute (Fameflynet UK)
"Dad was, is and always will be one of the kindest, most generous, gentlest souls I've ever known, and while there are few things I know for certain right now, one of them is that not just my world, but the entire world is forever a little darker, less colourful and less full of laughter in his absence. We'll just have to work twice as hard to fill it back up again."
Eldest son Zak, from Robin's first marriage, added: "Yesterday, I lost my father and a best friend and the world got a little grayer. I will carry his heart with me every day. I would ask those that loved him to remember him by being as gentle, kind, and generous as he would be. Seek to bring joy to the world as he sought."
Cody said: "There are no words strong enough to describe the love and respect I have for my father. The world will never be the same without him. I will miss him and take him with me everywhere I go for the rest of my life, and will look forward, forever, to the moment when I get to see him again."
Robin's second wife Marsha Garces pays tribute (FameFlynet UK)
Robin's second wife Marsha Garces, who filed for divorce from the actor in 2008 also shared her grief, saying: "My heart is split wide open and scattered over the planet with all of you. Please remember the gentle, loving, generous - and yes, brilliant and funny - man that was Robin Williams. My arms are wrapped around our children as we attempt to grapple with celebrating the man we love, while dealing with this immeasurable loss."
Hollywood was shaken with the news of Robin Williams's passing, with stars from across the entertainment spectrum paying their respects to the man who inspired generations of the world's leading entertainers.
Rest in peace Robin Williams.
If you have been affected by this story please contact Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or via Samaritans.org or Mind on 0300 123 3393 and Mind.org.uk
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