Robin Williams was in early stages of Parkinson's

Los Angeles, Aug 15 (IANS/EFE) Hollywood actor Robin Williams, who hung himself at his home earlier this week, had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, his widow has revealed.

Susan Schneider said Thursday that Williams, 63, remained sober up to the end of his life, laying to rest the theory that his past addiction to cocaine and alcohol had contributed to his death.

"Robin's sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson's disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly," she said in a statement.

The authorities are looking at suicide as the probable cause of the artist's death, although investigators still has not arrived at a conclusion and the results of toxicology tests performed after Williams' body was found are not yet available.

"Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles," his widow said.

Williams leaves behind Schneider, his third wife, and three grown children from his previous marriages.

--IANS/EFE

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