Bobby J Brown — bobby j brown, 'The Wire' Star Dead at 62 After Barn Fire

bobby j brown, the character actor best known for playing Officer Bobby Brown on the HBO series "The Wire, " has died at 62 after a barn fire in Maryland. The circumstances of the blaze, the medical examiner's rulings and statements from his family and agent outline a sudden death that will lead to funeral arrangements.

Barn fire began when he entered a barn to jump-start a vehicle

Family members say the fire started after Brown entered a barn to jump-start a vehicle. A short time later he called a relative seeking a fire extinguisher, but by the time the family reached the barn it was already engulfed in flames. Brown’s wife suffered severe burns while attempting to rescue him.

Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation

The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Brown's cause of death to be diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation and determined the manner of death to be an accident. Brown's daughter said he died Tuesday of smoke inhalation and that they believe he did not suffer the severe burns he incurred in the blaze.

Bobby J Brown's television career: Officer Bobby Brown, Sgt. Thomas Allers and more

Brown was widely recognized for his portrayal of Officer Bobby Brown on the HBO drama "The Wire, " where he was part of the show's ensemble cast. He later appeared on "Law & Order: SVU" and portrayed Sgt. Thomas Allers in the HBO miniseries "We Own This City. " Additional television credits include "Homicide: Life on the Street, " "The Corner" and "Veep. "

Film credits, documentary work and early life

His screen work extended to feature films such as "Love the Hard Way, " "My One and Only" and "From Within. " Brown also directed documentaries about pit bulls and about Parliament Funkadelic. Born in Washington, D. C., he began his professional life as a boxer and later turned to acting after watching the Mickey Rourke film "Homeboy. "

Family, faith, funeral plans and an agent's tribute

Brown's daughter said the family is planning a funeral service and family members described him as a devout Jehovah's Witness. Funeral arrangements are pending. He is survived by his wife and children. His agent, Albert Bramante, said, "I am upset and saddened. He was such a good actor and person. He was totally dedicated to the craft of acting and was a joy to work with. "