Bobby J Brown, 'The Wire' Actor, Dies at 62 in Barn Fire
bobby j brown, the character actor best known for playing an officer on the HBO series "The Wire, " died after becoming trapped in a barn fire at his home in Chaptico, Maryland, officials and family members said. The medical examiner ruled the death an accident, and family statements called the loss sudden and devastating.
Barn blaze began while jump‑starting a vehicle
Authorities say the blaze started at about 10 p. m. on 24 February after Brown went into a barn on his St Mary’s county property to try to jump‑start a car. He asked his wife for a fire extinguisher during the attempt, and by the time she returned the barn had spread to engulf the structure. Family members called firefighters and crews later found Brown inside; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Medical examiner: diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation
The Maryland chief medical examiner's office said Brown's death resulted from diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation and that the manner of death was an accident. Family members told journalists they believed smoke inhalation was the cause, while the medical examiner's finding included thermal injury.
Bobby J Brown’s family and reactions
His daughter, Reina Samara Brown, posted that losing her father was "devastating" and wrote, "It hurts in a way that sits heavy in my chest and does not move. " She urged people to spend time with parents and "ask the extra question, " adding "Stay a little longer" in a message about ordinary moments turning final. Reyes Samara Brown also said a funeral service is being planned and that the family is asking for prayers.
Wife injured trying to reach him; accounts differ on severity
The Maryland state fire marshal's office said Brown's wife burned her hands trying to reach him inside the barn. Separate accounts characterized her injuries as severe burns; that discrepancy is noted in the available statements. Family and emergency responders focused efforts on rescue at the scene in Chaptico after the blaze spread quickly.
Career highlights and other cast deaths
Brown, 62, grew up in Washington, D. C., and was a champion amateur boxer before turning to acting. He began with appearances on cop shows such as "Homicide: Life on the Street" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, " and he played Officer Bobby Brown in 12 episodes of "The Wire" during the show's 2002–2008 run. More recently he appeared in the 2022 HBO miniseries "We Own This City, " which starred Jon Bernthal.
His death makes him the third member of the series' cast to die since December; earlier losses included James Ransone, who died by suicide on 19 December at age 46, and Isiah Whitlock Jr., who died 11 days after Ransone at age 71. Other former cast members who had died previously include Michael Kenneth Williams, Lance Reddick and Reg E Cathey.
Colleagues and agent remember him
His agent, Albert Bramante, said Brown "was such a good actor and person. He was totally dedicated to the craft of acting and was a joy to work with. " Family members also noted Brown's faith; his daughter described him as a devout Jehovah's Witness in public statements, and the family has begun planning funeral arrangements.
The next confirmed step is the family's planning of a funeral service; the medical examiner completed the cause and manner of death findings, and recovery and investigative work at the scene is concluded.
