Robin Williams Was In The Early Stages Of Parkinson's Disease
Three days after his death on August 11, Robin Williams' widow Susan Schneider released a personal statement regarding the late actor's legacy. In the statement, Schneider reveals that Williams was struggling with the early stages of Parkinson's Disease, which was unknown at the time of his death.
Below find Schneider's statement -- which also acknowledges Williams' battle with depression, as his preliminary autopsy ruled his death a suicide by hanging -- below:
"Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the frontlines, or comforting a sick child — Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid.
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.
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.
It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid."
