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Jay Turner, Hamilton Police Officer, Apologizes For Robin Williams Tweet

Cop's Tweet On Robin Williams' Mental Health Deleted, Apologized For

A Hamilton police officer has apologized after a tweet he posted about Robin Williams' death Monday night upset many on Twitter.

Sgt. Jay Turner, who handles the Hamilton Police Service ACTION Team 4's account, tweeted "Dear Robin Williams: I truly wish you could have chosen to set a better example for those suffering with mental health challenges. Jay", according to CTV.

The 63-year-old actor was found dead at his home in Tiburon, Calif. Monday. The coroner's office suspects he died by "suicide due to asphyxia."

Turner's tweet, which has since been deleted, was posted around 9:45 p.m. He has apologized on both his personal and work accounts.

Many who responded condemned the police officer for his wording.

But several accepted his apology and suggested this was a chance to educate the public about suicide awareness.

The officer's tweet comes after Hamilton suicide prevention advocates launched a campaign to try to reduce the stigma of suicide. Last fall, the Suicide Prevention Community Council designed a QR code that gives smartphone users access to 24-hour crisis lines, signs someone is at risk and ways to intervene.

Both the Australian Psychological Society and the site Speaking of Suicide have articles that explain why certain words are problematic when talking about suicide and which words to use instead.

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