The actor took his own life almost 7 years of his brother's passing to the day

Aug 13, 2014 11:34 GMT  ·  By
Robin Williams' depression now being linked to the death of his older brother
   Robin Williams' depression now being linked to the death of his older brother

A new hidden meaning has been uncovered in the tragic and sudden death of Robin Williams, beloved actor and comedian. It's now widely believed that Williams chose to end his life in such a violent way because of a deep-set depression that took over him in the last years.

The National Enquirer claims to know the reason for that depression which is being attributed to the loss, many years ago, of a sibling dear to his heart. A friend of the late actor tells the publication “Todd was one of Robin’s two half-brothers and his death was devastating to Robin, who was grief stricken over his passing.”

The friend points out that George's suicide attempt coincided almost to the day with his brother's passing 7 years ago, “It’s ironic that Robin died almost to the day seven years later.”

Todd, Robin's older half-brother died on August 14, back in 2007, at the age of 69. His death came after complications from heart surgery. The Williams brother had heart surgery performed on him a month earlier but sadly did not recover.

Known to friends and family as “Toad,” Todd was said to have passed away in a hospital, despite the doctors’ best efforts. He was the founder of Toad Hollow Vineyards in Healdburg, California, and a beloved member of the community. Robin in particular is said to have been very fond of him which is why he was hit the hardest.

At the time of his brother's death, Robin bitterly remarked that “He touched a lot of people in the winery business. He was a man who lived a great life. He leaves a big footprint — a big footprint with a cork,” he added joking in his usual manner.

Other sources revealed that Todd's death put additional pressure on the actor who was already battling depression and who also underwent heart surgery a few years ago, “At the time his brother’s death put more pressure on Robin, who was trying to stay off alcohol.”

The source connects the actor's relapse into alcoholism after 20 years of being sober to the deterioration of his brother's health “Robin had managed to stay on the wagon for 20 years, but in 2004 he began drinking again and was in rehab a year before Todd died. When Todd died, Robin was filming Old Dogs with Kelly Preston in Greenwhich, Conn., and Robin was going to AA meetings there in an attempt to stay sober.”