Bobby J. Brown’s cause of death has been confirmed four months after the actor died in a Maryland barn fire.
The actor, known for playing Officer Bobby Brown on HBO’s The Wire, died on February 24 after being caught in a fire at his Chaptico, Maryland, property. He was 62.
People confirmed through the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner that Brown died from diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation. His manner of death was ruled an accident.
Brown’s daughter, Reina, previously said she learned about the fire in a late-night call from her younger sister.
Brown’s Death Was Ruled an Accident
People reported that the medical examiner listed Brown’s cause of death as diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation. The office determined the death was accidental.
Brown’s daughter told People after his death that the news came while she was asleep. She said her younger sister called in distress and told her their father had been caught in a barn fire.
Reina later described the loss as sudden and overwhelming, writing that she would give anything to hear his voice again or have one more conversation with him.
The Fire Started After Brown Tried to Jump-Start a Vehicle
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office said Brown had gone into the barn earlier that evening to try to jump-start a vehicle, according to The BayNet.
While inside, he contacted a family member and asked her to bring a fire extinguisher. When she went outside, officials said the fire had already spread through the barn.
The family member tried to reach Brown but suffered burns to her hands. She was taken to MedStar Washington Hospital Center for treatment.
Firefighters Found Him Near the Vehicle
Firefighters were called to the Roosevelt Boulevard property shortly after 10 p.m. for a barn fire with someone trapped inside. The BayNet reported that crews arrived to find the 50-by-100-foot barn nearly fully engulfed in flames.
Family members told responders that someone was still inside the structure. After firefighters brought the fire under control, they found Brown dead inside the barn near the vehicle.
The Guardian reported at the time that the Maryland state fire marshal said family members had told firefighters Brown was trapped in the burning barn.
Brown Was Remembered for The Wire and His Boxing Background
Brown was best known to many viewers for playing Officer Bobby Brown on The Wire. His other screen credits included Homicide: Life on the Street, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Veep, The Corner and We Own This City.
People reported that Brown had also been a boxer before acting, winning five Golden Gloves titles. He later trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.
His agent, Albert Bramante, remembered him as a disciplined actor and a person of strong character. Bramante said Brown brought authenticity to his work, from his boxing background to his screen performances.
His Daughter Shared the Weight of the Loss
After Brown’s death, Reina wrote that the suddenness of losing her father was devastating. She urged others to spend more time with their parents while they still can.
She wrote that one ordinary evening can become the last chance for a conversation. Her tribute focused on the pain of the loss, but also on the love Brown’s family still has for him.