Hamilton police officer apologizes after Robin Williams tweet

Flowers are placed in memory of actor/comedian Robin Williams on his Walk of Fame star in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles, Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. (AP / Kevork Djansezian)

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.

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.