Robin Williams was in the early stages of Parkinson’s Disease when he committed suicide, his wife revealed today as she urged other people suffering from depression or facing serious illnesses to seek “the care and support they need.”
“Robin’s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly,” Susan Schneider said.
“It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid,” she said.
Williams, 63, was found dead at his home in Tiburon in Marin County around noon Monday. Coroner’s officials said he died of apparent suicide by hanging. He was found in a bedroom of his home in a seated position, slightly suspended with a belt around his neck, and the other end of the belt wedged in a closet door.
“Robin spent so much of his life helping others,” Schneider said. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the front lines or comforting a sick child — Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid.
“Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles.”
