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Wife: Robin Williams Had Parkinson's Disease, Was Sober At Time Of Death

LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) - The wife of Robin Williams says was in the stages of Parkinson's disease and was sober at the time of his apparent suicide.

In a statement Thursday, Susan Schneider said that Williams was struggling with depression, anxiety and the early stages of Parkinson's when he was found dead earlier this week.

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.

The wife of the actor-comedian said he was not ready to share his Parkinson's diagnosis publicly.

Williams was found dead inside his home where he resides with his wife by Marin County Sheriff's deputies at noon on Monday. The coroner's office later revealed that he had hung himself using a belt.

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(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or Redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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