Police: Actor Robin Williams Hung Himself Using Belt

Police in Marin County, California confirmed Tuesday that 63-year-old actor Robin Williams died Monday by asphyxiation after hanging himself in his Tiburon home.

Marin County police officials announced at a press conference in San Rafael, California on Tuesday that Williams had been found by police at around 11:55 a.m. in his Tiburon home, after his personal assistant had grown concerned when Williams did not respond to knocks on his bedroom door.

After Williams failed to answer the door, the personal assistant reportedly broke down the door to find Williams sitting in a chair, its two front legs slightly suspended off the ground. A belt had been fastened around Williams' neck, with the other end wedged in between the closet door and the door jam. Williams, who was fully clothed, was not breathing and his assistant reported to 911 that the actor was cold to the touch.

"The preliminary, and I again say preliminary, result of the forensic examination reveals supporting signs that Mr Williams life ended from asphyxia due to hanging," Assistant Chief Deputy Coroner Lt. Keith Boyd told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday.

Police also reported finding superficial cuts on Williams' left wrist, as well as a pocketknife with blood on it nearby. The knife is being analyzed to determine if the blood on it matches Williams' blood.

Williams' wife, Susan Schneider, last saw her husband around 10:30 p.m. the night before when she went to sleep in a separate room. She then left the house the next morning around 10:30 a.m., assuming Williams was still asleep in his room.

Schneider, Williams' wife of three years, released a brief statement following her husband's death that read: "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."