President Obama joins tributes

Robin Williams took his own life by hanging himself at his California home, police have confirmed.

A post-mortem today made the preliminary conclusion that the cause of death was asphyxia by hanging, but investigators are awaiting the results of a toxicology test before making a final ruling.

The news came as President Barack Obama joined the chorus of tributes to the 63-year-old, saying he 'made us laugh; he made us cry.'

Marin County Sheriff's Lieutenant Keith Boyd said the comedian had been treated for depression, and gave further details of the circumstances leading up to he discovery of his body.

Williams was last seen alive by his wife Susan Schneider on Sunday evening before she went to bed. She left the house at 10:30am on Monday the next morning, believing him still to be asleep in another room.

Just before noon California time (8pm UK time), the actor's personal assistant became concerned when he did not respond to knocks on the door, entered the room and found Williams dead.

The star had been open in the past about his struggles with alcohol and drugs and had recently returned to a rehabilitation centre to ‘fine-tune’ his sobriety.

Schneider, said she was ‘utterly heartbroken, adding: ‘I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. As he is remembered, it is our hope that the focus will not be on Robin's death but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.'

In a statement, President Obama paid his tribute, saying: 'Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind.

'He arrived in our lives as an alien -- but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most - from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalised on our own streets.

'The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin’s family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams.'

The comedy world also paid tribute. Steve Martin tweeted he ‘could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul’.

Eddie Izzard added: 'From every comedian here at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, we salute him & we say goodbye.'

And Ross Noble said: 'Shocked and saddened by the news of Robin Williams passing.A true master of the art of stand up.'

In a 2012 poll of comedians, Williams was named the world’s most influential stand-up.

He leaves three children from previous marriages Zachary, 31; Zelda, 25, and Cody, 22.

Watch highlights from his career here.

Published: 12 Aug 2014