‘The Wire’ Star Bobby J. Brown’s Cause Of Death Revealed

An autopsy and toxicology report obtained by Us Weekly from the Maryland Chief Medical Examiner noted that Brown “had been consuming alcoholic beverages before death,” and carbon monoxide was found at 71 percent in his blood. Postmortem toxicology testing for drugs was listed as negative.

The report noted that Jones had “fourth-degree burns” with “a few brown hairs on the scalp, but the vast majority were singed off.” He also had “thermal fractures of the ankles.” His skin was also “absent from the left chest, a portion of the left arm and portions of the lower extremities.”

Brown’s cause of death was listed as diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation. His death was ruled an accident.

“Bobby J. Brown was a rare soul who brought a deep sense of humanity to every role he played,” a rep for Brown said in a statement to Us at the time. “While many knew him for his strength as a champion boxer and his powerful screen presence, we knew him as a dedicated professional and a kind-hearted individual. ”

The statement continued, “He was a true joy to represent, and he will be missed by everyone at the agency. Our hearts go out to his family, and we ask for their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.” Brown’s agent also paid tribute to the actor in a statement to TMZ, which read, “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.”

TMZ reported at the time that Brown was in a Maryland barn attempting to jump-start a vehicle, calling a family member asking for a fire extinguisher. The barn was engulfed in flames by the time anyone arrived to put the fire out. His wife, Arlene, reportedly suffered severe burns while trying to save him.

Brown was best known for his role as Officer Bobby Brown on The Wire, where he appeared for 12 episodes. The acclaimed HBO crime series, which ran from 2002 to 2008, also starred Idris Elba, Lance Reddick, Wendell Pierce, Dominic West and more.