LOS ANGELES: The cremated remains of Hollywood actor Robin Williams, found dead on August 1 after an apparent suicide, were spread in San Francisco Bay, US news media reports.

According to Williams's death certificate, published by the celebrity gossip site Radar Online, Williams was cremated on August 12, one day after his personal assistant found him dead in his home in Marin County, near San Francisco.

A formal investigation is under way, but the local sheriff's office said all the evidence points to Williams having taken his own life by hanging himself with his belt.

Under "Place of Final Disposition" of the remains the death certificate reads: "Scattering in San Francisco B off the coast of Marin."

And under "Cause of Death" it says: "Pending investigation."

His widow later said that Williams, a father of three, was suffering from depression and the early stages of Parkinson's disease.

Williams, an Oscar-winner and veteran of movies, stand-up shows and hit television series, was one of Hollywood's most popular entertainers and his death triggered an outpouring of emotion.