A Hamilton, Ont., police sergeant is apologizing after posting a tweet saying Robin Williams' death set a bad example for others with mental illnesses.
The 63-year-old actor and comedian was found dead in his Tiburon, Calif. home on Monday evening. The sheriff's office said that the death appeared to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but a complete investigation will be completed before a final decision is made.
At 9:43 p.m., Sgt. Jay Turner posted a message on Twitter saying, "Dear Robin Williams: I truly wish you could have chosen to set a better example for those suffering with mental health challenges. Jay"
Many who saw the tweet responded with messages calling the comment disgraceful or inappropriate.
That's a little harsh @HPSActionTeam4. How does blaming the victim help those suffering?
— Grace Correia (@GraceCorr) August 12, 2014
@HPSActionTeam4 I know you mean well, but Robin Williams did not fail the world by his suicide. The world failed him.
— Sara Mayo (@sara_mayo) August 12, 2014
@HPSActionTeam4 completely irresponsible. To understand mental health is to understand without judgement.
— dawngordaneer (@dawngordaneer) August 12, 2014
@HPSActionTeam4 Dear Jay your tweet does not help those suffering. Maybe HPSActionTeam4 needs to rethink who they allow to tweet! #sad
— Carolynne (@CarolynneSD) August 12, 2014
Following the reaction, Turner deleted the tweet, apologizing in a series of messages for offending those who saw the message.
"I am human. I made a tweet from my heart. I felt it was right. It was not received as it felt in my heart. I apologize to those I offended," he wrote.
Offence was never my intention. Those who know me, know that is not me. There's is nothing more I can say. Once again, I am sorry.
— HPSActionTeam4 (@HPSActionTeam4) August 12, 2014
I have deleted the tweet that offended many. My intent was not to offend, but to raise awareness. A very poor choice of words. I am sorry.
— HPSActionTeam4 (@HPSActionTeam4) August 12, 2014