'The Wire' Star Bobby J. Brown's Official Cause of Death Revealed Following Fire

Months after Bobby J. Brown was caught in a barn fire, his cause of death has been confirmed.

The actor died on February 24 at 62 years old. Earlier this year, TMZ reported that Brown was trying to jump-start a vehicle in Maryland when the barn was engulfed in flames. The outlet said he asked a family member for a fire extinguisher, and his wife, Arlene, received severe burns in an attempt to save him.

According to an autopsy and toxicology report obtained byUs Weekly from the Maryland Chief Medical Examiner, The Wire star "had been consuming alcoholic beverages prior to death," and the postmortem toxicology testing for drugs was negative. His carbon monoxide level was at 71 percent in his blood.

The report added that Jones suffered "fourth-degree burns" with "a few brown hairs on the scalp, but the vast majority were singed off."

He also experienced "thermal fractures of the ankles" and his skin was "absent from the left chest, a portion of the left arm and portions of the lower extremities."

Ultimately, Brown's cause of death was ruled diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation, and determined to be an accident.

The character actor was known for his roles in The Wire, The Corner, We Own This City, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Homicide: Life on the Street.

In February, a representative for Brown shared a statement about the actor withUs Weekly.

"Bobby J. Brown was a rare soul who brought a deep sense of humanity to every role he played," they wrote. "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."

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This story was originally published June 24, 2026 at 9:45 PM.