Bobby J Brown dies in barn fire at Maryland home, aged 62
bobby j brown, 62, died after a barn fire at his Maryland residence. The death makes him the third cast member of The Wire to die since December, and investigators say the blaze began while he was trying to jumpstart a car.
Barn blaze began during jump‑start attempt in Chaptico
Authorities say Brown went into a barn at his St Mary’s County community of Chaptico at about 10pm on 24 February to try to jumpstart a car. The vehicle evidently ignited during the attempt, and Brown asked his wife for a fire extinguisher.
Wife injured while trying to reach him; family summoned firefighters
The Maryland state fire marshal’s office said the blaze had quickly spread throughout the barn by the time Brown’s wife returned with the extinguisher and that she burned her hands trying to reach him. Brown’s family summoned firefighters to the home and told them he was trapped within the fiery barn; firefighters subsequently found him inside and pronounced him dead at the scene.
Medical examiner: diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation; manner ruled accident
The state chief medical examiner’s office determined Brown’s death resulted from diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation and ruled the manner of death an accident. Brown’s daughter has said he died of smoke inhalation and that family members believe he did not suffer from the severe burns connected with the blaze.
Reina Samara Brown’s statement and funeral plans
Brown’s daughter, Reina Samara Brown, described losing her father as “devastating. ” She wrote: “It hurts in a way that sits heavy in my chest and does not move. ” She added, “I would give anything to hear his voice again, to see him one more time, and to have one more conversation. The suddenness of it is overwhelming. One ordinary evening can become the last moment you ever get. ”
In her post she asked for prayers for her family and urged people to “sit with” their parents and “ask the extra question” about how they are doing. “Stay a little longer, ” her statement said. Family members have said a funeral service is being planned. Her daughter also noted that Brown was a devout Jehovah’s Witness.
Bobby J Brown's career, The Wire role and other cast losses
Brown grew up in Washington, D. C., and was a champion amateur boxer before beginning an acting career that included early appearances in cop shows such as Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. His most recognizable role was as Officer Bobby Brown on The Wire, appearing in 12 episodes during the show’s run from 2002 to 2008. He also appeared in the 2022 miniseries We Own This City, which starred Jon Bernthal.
His death is the third among contributors to The Wire since December. Actor James Ransone, 46, who portrayed Ziggy Sobotka, died by suicide on 19 December. Isiah Whitlock Jr., 71, who portrayed Clay Davis, died 11 days after Ransone. Other series cast members who had died previously include Michael Kenneth Williams (who portrayed Omar), Lance Reddick (who portrayed Lt Cedric Daniels) and Reg E Cathey (who portrayed Norman Wilson).
Brown’s agent, Albert Bramante, said he was “upset and saddened, ” calling Brown “such a good actor and person, ” and adding that he was “totally dedicated to the craft of acting and was a joy to work with. ”
