Bobby J Brown, 'The Wire' Actor, Dead at 62 After Barn Fire
bobby j brown died after being caught in a barn fire in Maryland, his representative confirmed Thursday, and his daughter said he died Tuesday of smoke inhalation.
Bobby J Brown's death and medical examiner findings
The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death was ruled diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation and that the manner of death was an accident. Statements about a formal disclosure differ: another account said Bramante Artists and the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner did not disclose a cause of death.
Fire began while jump-starting a vehicle; family attempted rescue
Family members say the blaze began after Brown entered a barn to jump-start a vehicle. A little while later he called a family member for a fire extinguisher, but by the time the family reached the barn it was already engulfed in flames. His wife suffered severe burns while trying to save him. Brown's daughter said the family believes he did not die from the burns he incurred but from smoke inhalation.
Career highlights: Officer Bobby Brown, other roles and directing work
Bobby J. Brown played Officer Bobby Brown, a Baltimore city police officer who shared his name, on the HBO series The Wire. He appeared as Officer Bobby Brown in 12 episodes and in all but Season Two of the show's five seasons, including the Season Five finale, "-30-. " Brown also had prominent roles in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and in the series We Own This City. He played a police officer in the 2008 film From Within and directed two films: "Off the Chain, " a 2006 history of the pit bull, and "Tear the Roof Off, " a 2016 Parliament-Funkadelic documentary.
Family, faith and statements from representation
Brown's daughter said he was a devout Jehovah's Witness and that a funeral service is being planned. 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. " A separate statement from Bramante Artists called the agency heartbroken and quoted CEO Albert Bramante: "Bobby J. Brown was a formidable talent and a man of great integrity. From his storied history as a Golden Gloves champion to his unforgettable presence in The Wire, Bobby brought a rare level of authenticity and heart to his work. "
What happens next
The family has said a funeral service is being planned; officials and Brown's representation have offered statements as investigators and medical authorities finalize records related to the barn fire and its aftermath.
