In a tragic event that took place on August 11, 2014, the world lost the talented actor and comedian, Robin Williams. He ended his own life in Paradise Cay, California. But the question is “Why did Robin Williams die?”
Why Did Robin Williams Die
Fans were left stunned when they discovered the shocking details surrounding Robin Williams’ death and the illness that led up to it.
In 2014, only three months before his passing, Robin Williams was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He confided in his wife Susan Schneider Williams and his three children from previous marriages.
However, he wasn’t ready to make his condition public at that time, so they all agreed to keep it a secret. Despite the diagnosis, Robin Williams struggled to comprehend his feelings of paranoia, anxiety, and depression.
He believed that Parkinson’s alone couldn’t explain these issues. Therefore, he and his wife made plans to visit a neurocognitive testing facility to explore if there was another underlying cause. Tragically, they would never get the chance to go.
On the night before his death, Robin Williams seemed calm and at peace. Susan Schneider Williams later revealed that he appeared to be improving as he busied himself with an iPad. Around 10:30 p.m., just before she went to sleep, Susan saw her husband for the last time.
His final words to her were tender: “Goodnight, my love… goodnight, goodnight.” After that, he moved to a different bedroom in their home, where he would take his last breath.
The Crippling Disease that Helps Explain Robin Williams’ Death
Robin Williams’ autopsy report revealed that he had Lewy body dementia, a devastating brain disease with similarities to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
The term “Lewy bodies” refers to abnormal protein clumps that accumulate in the brain cells and cause significant damage. This condition is believed to contribute to around 15 percent of all dementia cases.
Lewy body dementia greatly affects sleep, behavior, movement, cognition, and overall body control. It had undoubtedly taken a toll on Robin Williams.
Despite the difficulties, doctors noted that he put up a remarkable fight. Dr. Bruce Miller, a specialist familiar with Williams’ case, explained that individuals with exceptional intellect and brilliance often cope better with degenerative diseases. He referred to Robin Williams as a genius.
Sadly, nobody knew which disease Robin Williams was battling until after his passing. This meant that an extraordinarily brilliant man was grappling with something he couldn’t fully comprehend. It explained his frustration in trying to understand his own symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Although Robin Williams had plans to visit a neurocognitive testing facility, his widow believes that the upcoming appointment may have added to his stress in the days leading up to his decision to take his own life.
“I think he didn’t want to go,” said Susan Schneider Williams. “I think he thought: ‘I’m going to get locked up and never come out.'”
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