Robin Williams’ three children have released a statement following their father’s death on Monday, which is thought to have been the result of suicide.
His daughter Zelda posted a touching tribute on Instagram, ahead of the family’s official statement.
Robin and Zelda Williams
Their statement was released after a news conference, where it was revealed that the Hollywood star was found hanged at his California home.
Zelda Williams said: “Dad was, is and always will be one of the kindest, most generous, gentlest souls I've ever known, and while there are few things I know for certain right now, one of them is that not just my world, but the entire world is forever a little darker, less colourful and less full of laughter in his absence. We'll just have to work twice as hard to fill it back up again."
"Yesterday, I lost my father and a best friend and the world got a little grayer,” added his eldest son Zak Williams. “I will carry his heart with me every day.
“I would ask those that loved him to remember him by being as gentle, kind, and generous as he would be. Seek to bring joy to the world as he sought."
Finally, his 23-year-old son Cody Williams stated: “There are no words strong enough to describe the love and respect I have for my father.
“The world will never be the same without him. I will miss him and take him with me everywhere I go for the rest of my life, and will look forward, forever, to the moment when I get to see him again."
Cody, Zelda and Robin in 2006
The website reports that Zelda was sent a number of hurtful comments and images, before declaring her plans to leave the social networking site.
She left their home in the town of Tiburon at 10.30am yesterday believing he was still in bed. But his assistant found the father of three clothed, unconscious and not breathing in his room at about 11.45am, and after the "distraught" woman called emergency services, firefighters pronounced him dead at 12.02pm.
“Our indication at this time is that it is a suicide due to asphyxia due to hanging,” Lieutenant Boyd told reporters.