Robin Williams’ death was officially ruled a suicide. The actor, known for his remarkable talent and philanthropy, struggled with severe depression and had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease shortly before his death.
The autopsy confirmed that asphyxia caused by hanging was the cause of his death.
The presence of antidepressants, caffeine, and levodopa in his system was noted, and his widow Susan Williams reported a recent increase in paranoia, which contributed to the tragic outcome.
The night before his death, Robin Williams took the precaution of placing several wristwatches in a sock and leaving them with someone he trusted for safekeeping.
He also called his wife, Susan, at 7:09 p.m. to inform her that he was picking up magazines for her at the bookstore. This action reflects his concern for certain possessions and a desire to manage his affairs in the midst of his struggles.
The report indicates that Robin Williams was discovered in an empty bedroom that belonged to his stepson, who was away at the time. Williams had been sleeping in a separate bedroom due to difficulties with sleep caused by Parkinson’s disease and anxiety.
The room featured a bunk bed, with the top bunk neatly made and the bottom bunk in disarray, reflecting the turmoil and restlessness Williams was experiencing.
The investigators found several items near Robin Williams’ body, including an iPad, two types of antidepressants (Mirtazapine and Seroquel), and an engraved pocketknife with his blood on it.
Susan Williams indicated that the knife was likely a gift from his USO tours. Nearby, there were black sneakers, with the right shoe containing a pair of black socks and the left shoe holding what appeared to be the pocketknife case. His iPhone and wallet were found in his pockets.
By the time the police arrived, Williams was confirmed deceased, and no attempts were made to revive him. His death was officially declared at 12:02 p.m.
Despite Robin Williams’ extensive history of depression, neither his wife nor his assistant reported that he had expressed suicidal thoughts or intentions.
His pill dispenser, which had been refilled the day before his death, showed that the medications remained in their designated slots.
Investigator D. Harris, after reviewing Williams’ iPad and iPhone, found that the devices only displayed information about medications and no messages or texts suggesting suicidal intent.
The report notes that there were no reflective devices or pornography found near Robin Williams’ body.
The investigator directly inquired whether Williams had a history of autoerotic asphyxia, to which Mrs. Williams responded negatively.
However, one interviewee mentioned that Williams had worked on a film years prior involving a character’s son who died from autoerotic asphyxiation, a scene that was emotionally challenging for him and possibly led him to research hanging during that time.
A search of Robin Williams’ iPhone, iPad, and home computer found no search histories related to suicide or hanging.
The investigator later viewed the film “World’s Greatest Dad,” noting that the movie’s depiction of a death scene—featuring a character’s son found with a ligature around the neck—was similar to the circumstances of Williams’ death.
The Marin Sheriff’s Office, despite facing criticism for revealing details about Williams’ death, defended the disclosures as required by the California Public Records Act.
The final autopsy report, initially scheduled for release on September 30, had been delayed twice.
