Bobby Brown: 'The Wire' actor Bobby J. Brown dies in barn fire at 62
bobby brown, 62, died after a barn fire at his Maryland home on the evening of 24 February, authorities and family members said. The actor was attempting to jump-start a vehicle in a barn in the St Mary’s county community of Chaptico at about 10pm when the blaze began; he was later found and pronounced dead at the scene.
Bobby Brown death timeline and details
Authorities and family members say Brown went into a barn at his residence in Chaptico at about 10pm on 24 February to try to jump-start a car. The attempt apparently ignited, and Brown asked his wife for a fire extinguisher. By the time she returned with the extinguisher the fire had spread quickly through the barn.
Brown’s family summoned firefighters and informed them he was trapped inside the burning structure. Fire crews subsequently located Brown inside the barn and he was pronounced dead on the scene.
Jump-start attempt and barn blaze
The Maryland state fire marshal’s office said Brown’s wife burned her hands trying to reach him. A separate account said his wife suffered severe burns trying to save him. Family members said someone in the house was called for a fire extinguisher, but by the time family arrived the barn was engulfed in flames.
Medical examiner findings and ruling
A representative of the Maryland chief medical examiner’s office said Friday that Brown’s death resulted from diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation, and that the manner of death was determined to be an accident. Brown’s daughter described her father’s passing as devastating and said the suddenness of the event was overwhelming.
Family reaction and daughter's plea
Reina Samara Brown posted a statement online calling losing her father "devastating. " She wrote, in part, "It hurts in a way that sits heavy in my chest and does not move. 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. "
Her statement also asked for prayers for the family and implored people to "sit with" their parents and "ask the extra question" about how they are doing. "Stay a little longer, " the statement said. "Our schedules feel so important until something like this happens and you realize what actually matters. "
Brown’s daughter told others he was a devout Jehovah's Witness and that a funeral service is being planned.
Career, credits and agency statements
Brown grew up in Washington DC and was a champion amateur boxer before beginning an acting career that included appearances in cop shows such as Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He played Officer Bobby Brown in 12 episodes of the crime drama from 2002 to 2008 and appeared in all but Season Two of the show's five seasons, including the Season Five finale, "-30-. "
He also appeared in the 2008 film From Within and more recently in the 2022 miniseries We Own This City, which starred Jon Bernthal. Brown directed two films: "Tear the Roof Off, " a Parliament-Funkadelic documentary released in 2016, and "Off the Chain, " a history of the pit bull released in 2006.
Bramante Artists said it was heartbroken by Brown’s death. Albert Bramante offered two statements described in the public record: one calling Brown "a formidable talent and a man of great integrity" and noting his "storied history as a Golden Gloves champion, " and another saying, "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. "
Brown’s death was the third among contributors to the acclaimed series since December. The 46-year-old James Ransone, who portrayed petty criminal Ziggy Sobotka on the show, died by suicide on 19 December. Isiah Whitlock Jr., who portrayed corrupt politician Clay Davis, was 71 and 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).
Meriam Bouarrouj is an NBC News assignment editor.
His representative confirmed Thursday that Brown has died.
Closing paragraph: Brown, credited in multiple television and film projects and remembered by family and colleagues, was 62. The medical examiner ruled his death an accident caused by diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation, and family members are planning a funeral service.
