Robin Williams hung himself :,( 

This 1978 file photo originally released by ABC shows actor Robin Williams on the set of ABCs "Mork and Mindy." Williams, whose free-form comedy and adept impressions dazzled audiences for decades, has died in an apparent suicide. He was 63. Photo: Associated Press

This 1978 file photo originally released by ABC shows actor Robin...

Flowers are placed in memory of actor/comedian Robin Williams\' Walk of Fame star in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. Photo: Kevork Djansezian, AP

Flowers are placed in memory of actor/comedian Robin Williams\' Walk...

A heart-shaped note and several bouquets of flowers lay in front of the home of Robin Williams in Tiburon, Calif. on Monday, August 11, 2014. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle

A heart-shaped note and several bouquets of flowers lay in front of...

A man who did not give his name exits the front gate outside of the home of Robin Williams in Tiburon, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014. Williams died Monday in an apparent suicide at his San Francisco Bay Area home, according to the sheriff\'s office in Marin County, north of San Francisco. Photo: Jeff Chiu, AP

A man who did not give his name exits the front gate outside of the...

Robin Williams, as a 7 year old, with his mother Laurie Williams.

Robin Williams in1987 with Will Durst (left) after Durst lost his run for mayor.

Robin Williams in1987 with Will Durst (left) after Durst lost his...

A portrait of Robin Williams on the streets of San Francisco in 1987. Photo: Fred Larson, The Chronicle

A portrait of Robin Williams on the streets of San Francisco in 1987.

The character of Mork, an alien from the planet of Ork, became so popular from an episode of "Happy Days" that it was spun-off into this series starring Robin Williams in the lead role (his first major acting break). The misfit alien was sent to study Earthlings by his fellow Orkans. Landing in a giant eggshell, near Boulder, Colorado, he was befriended by Mindy McConnell, who helped him adjust to Earth\'s strange ways. Photo: Jim Britt, ABC Photo Archives/Getty Images

The character of Mork, an alien from the planet of Ork, became so...

Robin Williams shows off his Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for "Good Will Hunting" at the 70th Academy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Monday, March 23, 1998. Photo: Reed Saxon, AP

Robin Williams shows off his Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for...

This June 15, 2007 file photo shows actor and comedian Robin Williams posing for a photo in Santa Monica, Calif. Williams, whose free-form comedy and adept impressions dazzled audiences for decades, died Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. Photo: Reed Saxon, Associated Press

This June 15, 2007 file photo shows actor and comedian Robin...

This Nov. 9, 2009 file photo shows actor Robin Williams, right, and his wife Susan Schneider at the premiere of "Old Dogs" in Los Angeles. Photo: Katy Winn, Associated Press

This Nov. 9, 2009 file photo shows actor Robin Williams, right, and...

Robin Williams performing in the 1980s. Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

Robin Williams at Chronicle Comedy Day in Golden Gate Park in 1987.

A file photo of Robin Williams from September 25, 1984. Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

A file photo of Robin Williams from September 25, 1984.

This 1982 file photo originally released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows actor Robin Williams as T.S. Garp from the film, "The World According to Garp." Photo: Uncredited, Associated Press

This 1982 file photo originally released by Warner Bros. Pictures...

Comedians Robin Williams and Billy Crystal in the Giants dugout before a game in 2007. Photo: Deanne Fitzmaurice, SFC

Comedians Robin Williams and Billy Crystal in the Giants dugout...

Robin Williams performs on October 4, 1980 Photo: Mike Maloney, The Chronicle

Robin Williams takes a spin with Sonya Molodetskya in 2005 at Pena PanchaMama in North Beach. Photo: Richard Johns, Special To The Chronicle

Robin Williams takes a spin with Sonya Molodetskya in 2005 at Pena...

Robin Williams performs on September 28, 1981. Photo: Steve Ringman, The Chronicle

Robin Williams in Mork and Mindy circa 1978.

Robin Williams died on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63. Here, the actor is pictured at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills in August 2009. Photo: Ken Hively, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Robin Williams died on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63. Here, the...

Sean Penn (left) with actor Robin Williams and comedian Frank Ferrante at Teatro ZinZanni for a fundraiser in support of Penn\'s J/P HRO in May 2010. Photo: Catherine Bigelow, Special To The Chronicle

Sean Penn (left) with actor Robin Williams and comedian Frank...

Holding their Oscar awards for acting, (left to right) Kim Basinger, Robin Williams, Helen Hunt and Jack Nicholson celebrate their success following the 70th Annual Academy Awards, March 23 in Los Angeles. Basinger won best supporting actress for her role in "L.A. Confidential," Williams won best supporting actor for "Good Will Hunting," Hunt won best actress for her role in "As Good As It Gets," and Nicholson won best actor for his role in "As Good As It Gets." Photo: Blake Sell

Holding their Oscar awards for acting, (left to right) Kim...

A Chronicle file photo of Robin Williams from 1995 around the release of the film "Jumanji". Photo: Chris Stewart, SFC

A Chronicle file photo of Robin Williams from 1995 around the...

Actor Robin Williams, left, donates blood at the Irwin Memorial Blood Center in San Francisco, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. Thousands of people waited in long lines to donate blood for victims of terrorist attacks in New York and in Washington. Photo: Justin Sullivan, Associated Press

Actor Robin Williams, left, donates blood at the Irwin Memorial...

Robin Williams (left) and director Chris Columbus pose atop the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in San Francisco in 1999. Photo: Robin Weiner, SFC

Robin Williams (left) and director Chris Columbus pose atop the...

Jack Nicholson, right, and Robin Williams share a laugh as they pose with their Oscars at the 70th annual Academy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Monday, March 23, 1998. Nicholson won for his role in "As Good As It Gets" and Williams for his role in "Good Will Hunting." Photo: Reed Saxon, Associated Press

Jack Nicholson, right, and Robin Williams share a laugh as they...

Listening to a few speaches just before the start of the race is at left, Dylan Casey, retired olympian, actor Robin Williams, and George Hincapie, professional bike racer. Williams participated in the 25-mile Breakaway from Cancer charity bike ride in 2006. Photo: Penni Gladstone, SFC

Listening to a few speaches just before the start of the race is at...

The San Francisco Film Society hosted its 50th Awards Gala at the St. Francis Hotel. From left: Robin Williams. Photo: Pamela Gentile, Freelance

The San Francisco Film Society hosted its 50th Awards Gala at the...

Robin williams and Bobcat Goldthwait for a feature on their new movie "World\'s Greatest Dad."

Robin williams and Bobcat Goldthwait for a feature on their new...

U.S. comedian Robin Williams performs on stage for U.S soldiers at a U.S base in Kabul, Afghanistan, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007. Some 500 American soldiers watched an all-star USO cast perform under a steady snowstorm at a U.S. base in Kabul late Thursday. The stop was part of a six-day, 14-show tour that saw the entertainers begin their day with a performance in Iraq. Photo: Rafiq Maqbool, AP

U.S. comedian Robin Williams performs on stage for U.S soldiers at...

Robin Williams helped out Larry Page, Google\'s president, with explaning some of the computer terms at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Robin Williams helped out Larry Page, Google\'s president, with...

Robin Williams as Mork in "Mork\'s Best Friend," from 1979.

The character of Mork, an alien from the planet of Ork, became so popular from an episode of "Happy Days" that it was spun off into the series "Mork and Mindy" starring Robin Williams. Photo: Cliff Lipson, Handout

In this Nov. 15, 1997 file photo, Robin Williams extends his head between curtains in a New York hotel. Photo: JIM COOPER, AP

In this Nov. 15, 1997 file photo, Robin Williams extends his head...

In this file photo from Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, actor Robin Williams hugs San Francisco Giants mascot Lou Seal during the first inning of Game 1 of baseball\'s National League Division Series in San Francisco. Photo: Ben Margot, Wire Photo

In this file photo from Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, actor Robin...

This March 23, 1998 file photo shows Robin Williams holding his Oscar high backstage at the 70th Academy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles after won Best Supporting Actor for "Good Will Hunting." Photo: REED SAXON, AP

This March 23, 1998 file photo shows Robin Williams holding his...

This Aug. 14, 2009 file photo shows actor Robin Williams in Los Angeles. Photo: Matt Sayles, AP

This Aug. 14, 2009 file photo shows actor Robin Williams in Los...

This April 6, 2008 file photo shows actor-comedian Robin Williams speaks on stage at the "Idol Gives Back" fundraising special of "American Idol" in Los Angeles.

This April 6, 2008 file photo shows actor-comedian Robin Williams...

This Nov. 8, 2012 file photo shows Robin Williams performing at the 6th Annual Stand Up For Heroes benefit concert for injured service members and veterans in New York.

This Nov. 8, 2012 file photo shows Robin Williams performing at the...

Actor Robin Williams\' star is seen on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 11, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

Actor Robin Williams\' star is seen on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on...

People stand outside the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home. Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle

People stand outside the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in...

Flowers and letters line the steps of the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home. Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle

Flowers and letters line the steps of the Mrs. Doubtfire house on...

pay respects to comedian and actor Robin Williams outside the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home. Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle

pay respects to comedian and actor Robin Williams outside the Mrs....

Outside the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home. Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle

Outside the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San...

Caitlin Kerton adjusts her flowers after taking a picture with friend Samantha McMullen outside the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home. Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle

Caitlin Kerton adjusts her flowers after taking a picture with...

A woman lays flowers and a card on the steps of the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home. Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle

A woman lays flowers and a card on the steps of the Mrs. Doubtfire...

Samantha McMullen takes a photo of flowers as her friend Caitlin Kerton looks on outside the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home. Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle

Samantha McMullen takes a photo of flowers as her friend Caitlin...

Jordan Ansell pays respects to comedian and actor Robin Williams outside the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home. Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle

Jordan Ansell pays respects to comedian and actor Robin Williams...

People pay respects to comedian and actor Robin Williams outside the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home. Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle

People pay respects to comedian and actor Robin Williams outside...

Robin Williams was \'Mrs. Doubtfire\' on a cable car and locations all over S.F. Photo: Handout

Robin Williams was \'Mrs. Doubtfire\' on a cable car and locations...

This large San Francisco Victorian was the family’s home in "Mrs. Doubtfire,” directed by S.F. resident Chris Columbus. Shown is star Mara Wilson there in 2000. Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Neighbor Darienne Colbert arrives at the home of Robin Williams to lay a bouquet of flowers in Tiburon, Calif. on Monday, August 11, 2014. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle

Neighbor Darienne Colbert arrives at the home of Robin Williams to...

(Left to right): Brian Duncan, Alexis Cooney, and Nick Cooney, embrace after bringing flowers to Robin Williams\' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was found dead in his Tiburon home earlier in the day and fans and friends left flowers and notes to honor the comedy and acting legend. Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

(Left to right): Brian Duncan, Alexis Cooney, and Nick Cooney,...

Comedian-turned-candidate Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams) speaks to a star-struck public in the comic tale of an entertainer\'s accidental rise to power in, "Man of the Year." Photo: Photo Credit: Ava Gerlitz / Univ

Comedian-turned-candidate Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams) speaks to a...

Comedian Bonnie Hunt presented the Film Award to Robin Williams at the San Francisco Film Society 50th Awards Gala in 2007.

Comedian Bonnie Hunt presented the Film Award to Robin Williams at...

Awards recipients, director Spike Lee (left) and actor Robin Williams, laugh before the 50th San Francisco International Film Festival\'s Film Society Awards in San Francisco in 2007.

Awards recipients, director Spike Lee (left) and actor Robin...

In this July 29, 2013 file photo, actor Robin Williams participates in the "The Crazy Ones" panel at the 2013 CBS Summer TCA Press Tour at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.

In this July 29, 2013 file photo, actor Robin Williams participates...

Robin Williams  attends the Glide Memorial Church holiday fundraiser in 2010.

Robin Williams  attends the Glide Memorial Church holiday...

Robin Williams at Gary Hart Fundraiser. St. Francis Hotel. Jun 4, 1984. Photo: Chris Stewart, The Chronicle

Robin Williams at Gary Hart Fundraiser. St. Francis Hotel. Jun 4,...

Robin Williams posing for a portrait for his movie "World\'s Greatest Dad."

Robin Williams posing for a portrait for his movie "World\'s...

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(08-12) 12:05 PDT TIBURON -- Actor and comedian Robin Williams committed suicide by hanging himself with a belt at his Tiburon home and was discovered by his personal assistant, authorities said Tuesday.

The assistant became concerned about 11:45 a.m. Monday after Williams, 63, failed to answer knocks at his bedroom door, said Marin County sheriff\'s Lt. Keith Boyd, the assistant chief deputy coroner.

Williams\' wife had left the home about 10:30 a.m., believing he was still sleeping, Boyd said.

The assistant entered the room and found Williams, clothed, in a seated position and "unresponsive with a belt secured around his neck, with the other end of the belt wedged between the clothes closet door and the door frame," Boyd said. "His right shoulder area was touching the door, with his body perpendicular to the door and slightly suspended."

Williams was "cold to the touch," Boyd said. He had last been seen alive by his wife about 10:30 p.m. Sunday, when she retired to a bedroom, Boyd said. Williams was in a separate room, he said.

Investigators found some superficial cuts on the inside of Williams\' left wrist. They also found a pocketknife with its blade closed and what was believed to be dried blood on it, Boyd said.

The beloved performer, who had been seeking treatment for depression, apparently died of "asphyxia due to hanging," Boyd said.

The autopsy, conducted Tuesday by a Marin County sheriff\'s forensic pathologist at a Napa County morgue, did not reveal any evidence of a struggle or a physical altercation, Boyd said.

Boyd would not discuss whether any suicide note was left. He offered condolences to Williams\' family on behalf of his agency.

Toxicology testing, which could take two to six weeks, will determine whether Williams had any chemical substances in his system at the time of his death, Boyd said. The final cause of death won\'t be finalized until after all testing is done, he said.

Williams had recently battled severe depression, said Mara Buxbaum, his press agent. He had fought cocaine and alcohol addiction, but had spoken little about mental illness.

This summer, Williams admitted himself into the Hazelden rehab center in Minnesota to "fine-tune" his sobriety, according to representatives.

The news of Williams\' death shocked the nation and the world, with fans flocking to his Tiburon home, his former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood of San Francisco and the Pacific Heights house where "Mrs. Doubtfire" was filmed to leave flowers and messages.

Noreen Nieder, 51, of Tiburon was among those who paid their respects outside Williams\' home on Tuesday.

"He was always really nice to the kids in the neighborhood," Nieder said. "He was always a neighbor. He didn\'t act like a celebrity."

Nieder, who frequently saw Williams riding his bike, said he always welcomed trick-or-treaters on Halloween. "I think he always just felt comfortable here," she said.

A somber Brandon Antonio, 13, dropped off flowers after being driven to the home by his father. "My favorite movie was \'Jumanji,\' " Brandon said. "That was a really great one."

Agne Correll brought her 7-year-old daughter, Aya, and also left flowers. Correll said Williams, with coffee in hand, often stopped by the Mill Valley gallery she owns. "He was an amazing person, a regular guy," Correll said. "I just wanted to say goodbye."

Dozens of television crews gathered in front of the home, including from stations in Brazil, Japan, Norway and England.

The sheriff\'s office, unaccustomed to such high-profile cases, was expected to be inundated by the media Tuesday, so much so that authorities issued a press release with instructions on how to reach its headquarters in a commercial building on a leafy street in San Rafael.

President Obama, in a statement, said 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."

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, in a nod to Williams\' support for U.S. troops, said in a statement, "From entertaining thousands of service men and women in war zones, to his philanthropy that helped veterans struggling with hidden wounds of war, he was a loyal and compassionate advocate for all who serve this nation in uniform."

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said Williams\' death was a "profound loss" for the city.

"Despite his success, he has never forgotten San Francisco," Lee wrote. "He was a philanthropist who gave generously, and he was a friend of the city."

Peter Fimrite, Evan Sernoffsky and Henry K. Lee are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. E-mail: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com, esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com and hlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @henryklee, @evansernoffsky @pfimrite

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