Actor Robin Williams was found dead in his home in Tiburon, Calif., Monday, according to local officials.
The cause of death is not official yet, but according to a memo released by Marin County Sheriff's Department Assistant Chief Deputy Coroner Lt. Keith Boyd, it is thought to be suicide by asphyxiation. Williams turned 63 on July 21.
The beloved actor was perhaps best known for his roles in Good Will Hunting, Flubber, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Dead Poets Society. He was also the iconic voice of Genie in Disney's Aladdin, and an idol to stand-up comedians everywhere.
The new of his death spread rapidly on social media, where many hoped for another fake claim.
I hope this news about Robin Williams is fake. I'm about to shed some tears real life !
— (@xoAlanaMarie) August 11, 2014
im seeing tweets about Robin Williams dead. this better be fake
— Billy Roberts (@BillyRoberts19_) August 11, 2014
I really, really hope the news about robin williams is fake...
— rory (@rory785) August 11, 2014As reports continued to spread, fellow celebrities and fans alike paid their respects.
Mork from Ork: Rare evidence that aliens can be smart, clever, articulate & funny. Robin Williams, RIP
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) August 11, 2014
O MY CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN #riprobinwilliams
— Tessa Netting (@tessanetting) August 11, 2014
Robin Williams was an actor without compare. I can’t believe he is gone…#RIPRobinWilliams
— Daniel Bostic (@debostic) August 11, 2014
Oh Jesus I am crushed to hear about Robin Williams' passing. So fucking sad and surreal. Just awful.
— Chris Hardwick (@nerdist) August 11, 2014Williams was last seen alive in his Tiburon home, where he lives with his wife, last night around 10 pm. Police responded to a 9-1-1 call at 11:55 am, and Williams was pronounced dead on the scene at 12:02 pm. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons