Celebrities and fans alike are stunned by the news of the death of 63-year-old Robin Williams by what is reported as an apparent suicide.

Williams was found dead in his home at 11:55 am on Monday morning. He was last seen on Sunday night by his wife, at approximately 10 pm.

Assistant Chief Deputy Coroner Lt. Keith Boyd wrote in a press release from Marin County this morning, “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 coroner’s office identified the deceased as 63-year-old Robin McLaurin Williams.

The coroner’s office reported that they suspect  “the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made.”

William’s publicist, Mara Buxbaum,  reports that Williams had been suffering from “severe depression of late.”

William’s wife, Susan Schneider, released a statement this afternoon saying, “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 that the focus will be not on Robin’s death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.”

Williams delighted millions on small screen and large. He had his television beginnings on the short-lived Richard Pryor show in 1977, then went on to star in the television series Mork and Mindy, where he played a quirky alien from Ork opposite Pam Dawber. The sitcom ran from 1978 until 1982 on ABC. 

In 1987, Williams starred in the movie hit Good Morning Vietnam, netting an Academy Award nomination Williams went from there to several other hits such as Good Will Hunting, The Fisher King, Hook, Awakenings, Mrs Doubtfire, Jumanji,  and Dead Poets Society.

Williams also lent his voice to several animated hits as well playing the genie in Aladdin, Fern Gully, Robots and Artificial Intelligence.

Steve Martin tweeted on Twitter today saying, “I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul.”

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