The death of Robin Williams has taken over as the lead story on cable news. Williams took his own life this morning at his home near Tiburon, CA in Marin County. He was pronounced dead at 12:02pmPT. The official cause of death is asphyxia. The actor and comedian had been battling severe depression, his representative said in a statement.
The news broke just before 7pmET. CBS News anchor Scott Pelley reported the news at 6:58pmET at the end of “CBS Evening News.” CBS produced special reports at 7:04 and 7:22. Fox News’s Ed Henry, sitting in for Bret Baier, also reported the news at 6:58. CNN reported the story at 7:06. Don Lemon, filling in for Erin Burnett, then went into rolling coverage. MSNBC’s Richard Lui broke in to “Hardball” at 7:16pm.
ABC News’s David Muir anchored a special report at 7:13pm and NBC’s Brian Williams anchored a special at 7:14. All three evening newscasts will update for the leads of their west coast editions at 8:30pmET.
More: Shepard Smith will pre-empt “Hannity” at 10pm for a Fox News special on Robin Williams; ABC’s “Nightline” will devote tonight’s show to Robin Williams, and there will be a special edition of “20/20” tomorrow night at 10pm, anchored by David Muir.
I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul. — Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) August 11, 2014
Sorry to learn of the tragic death of Robin Williams. Spent a lot of time with him. Even performed with him in San Francisco. So sad.
— Larry King (@kingsthings) August 11, 2014
Robin Williams made the world a little bit better. RIP. — Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) August 11, 2014
Rest in peace Robin Williams. — Eric Stonestreet (@ericstonestreet) August 11, 2014
In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow the eye can’t see. RIP Robin Williams. Laughs will live on forever.
— Abby Huntsman (@HuntsmanAbby) August 11, 2014
Thank you to the beautifully original + brave artist that is #RobinWilliams. You taught us how to stand on the edge, fearless, + shine.
— JARED LETO (@JaredLeto) August 11, 2014
“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” — Robin Williams — George RR Martin (@GeorgeRRMartin_) August 11, 2014
His heart was as big as his genius. So sad. Rest in Peace Robin Williams. — bob saget (@bobsaget) August 11, 2014
Robin Williams made the world laugh & think. I will remember & honor that. A great man, artist and friend. I will miss him beyond measure.
— Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) August 12, 2014