James Ransone of ‘The Wire’ found dead in Los Angeles; cause ruled suicide

Highlights

• Actor James Ransone, known for The Wire and It: Chapter Two, dies at 46
  
• Los Angeles County Medical Examiner lists the manner of death as suicide by hanging
  
• Police say no foul play is suspected
  
• Ransone had previously spoken about mental health struggles
  

Trigger warning: This article contains references to suicide.

Death confirmed by authorities

James Ransone, best known for playing Ziggy Sobotka in HBO’s The Wire, has died at the age of 46. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Ransone passed away on Friday. Multiple reports say he was found dead at his Los Angeles home, with the manner of death listed as suicide by hanging.

Police investigation finds no foul play

TMZ, which independently confirmed the news, reported that officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call at Ransone’s residence and conducted a death investigation. Authorities stated that no foul play is suspected.

Career spanning film and television

Ransone rose to prominence with The Wire before gaining wider recognition as the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in It: Chapter Two. His film work also included Tangerine, Sinister, Sinister 2, Spike Lee’s remake of Oldboy, and The Black Phone. His appearance in The Black Phone 2 marked his final film role.

On television, he appeared in shows such as Poker Face, Law & Order, Hawaii Five-0, SEAL Team, and The First, among others.

Speaking openly about mental health

In earlier interviews, Ransone spoke candidly about his struggles with mental health. He had also discussed a past heroin addiction and experiences of abuse during his childhood.

Ransone is survived by his wife and two children.