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Robin Williams Preliminary Cause of Death: Asphyxia By Hanging

The Paley Center For Media Presents "A Legendary Evening With Robin Williams"

Credit: Photo by JB Lacroix/WireImage

The Marin County Sheriff’s Department has released the preliminary cause of death for legendary actor Robin Williams. Marin County’s Deputy Coroner says the Mrs. Doubtfire star died of asphyxia by hanging.

During a press conference on Tuesday, though, it was also confirmed that Robin tried cutting his wrists before eventually choosing hanging to kill himself. The actor tried cutting his left wrist, but only left “acute superficial cuts.” A pocket knife was found near his body.

According to the Coroner, the comedian then took a belt and hung himself between the closet door and door frame. He was found in a seated position, slightly off the ground, by his personal assistant.

Robin’s wife last saw him at 10:30 the evening before he died. She went to sleep in a separate room and on Monday morning left the house under the assumption that her husband was still asleep.

Robin’s rep confirmed the death on Monday, revealing that the actor had been “battling severe depression of late.”

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