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Heartbreaking last request The Wire star Bobby J. Brown made to family before he died in tragic barn fire
The heartbreaking last request The Wire star Bobby J. Brown made to his family before he died in a tragic barn fire in Maryland has now been revealed.
According to reports, the fire, which broke out late Tuesday (February 24) night, began after the 62-year-old entered the barn to jump-start a vehicle.
His daughter Reina, who did not live with him, told PEOPLE that her father reached out to family members and asked them to bring a fire extinguisher as the flames spread.
Tragically, by the time help arrived, it was too late.
A press release issued by St Mary’s County detailed the desperate scene that unfolded just after 10:00PM.
“On February 24, 2026, just after 10:00 p.m., firefighters with Leornardtown, Mechanicsville, and several other nearby fire departments responded to 36111 Roosevelt Boulevard for a reported barn fire with entrapment. 911 callers advised that a barn was on fire, and a person was trapped inside," it read.
"Firefighters arrived to find a 50-by-100-foot barn nearly fully engulfed in fire. Family members on scene confirmed that one individual was still inside the structure. After the fire was brought under control, firefighters located a deceased male victim within the barn," they added.
The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later ruled his death an accident, listing the cause as “diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation”.
Brown's Wife Tried To Save Him
As the fire raged, Brown’s wife, Arlene, tried to rescue him and suffered serious burns in the process, TMZ reported.
She was transported to MedStar Washington Hospital Center for treatment, per FOX5.
The family has since requested privacy as they try to come to terms with the sudden loss. “Everybody is still trying to process it - it's been difficult for all of us,” Reina said.
Before becoming a familiar face on screen, Brown was a decorated boxer, winning five Golden Glove Championships.
His agent, Dr. Albert Bramante, paid tribute to both sides of his career. "Bobby J. Brown was a uniquely talented actor and a man of great character. From his deep roots as a Golden Gloves champion to his impactful performances on screen, Bobby brought an unmistakable authenticity to everything he did," he said.
"He was a dedicated professional and a true joy to represent. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," he added.
Brown trained in acting in New York after his boxing career and was cast by David Simon in early television projects, including Homicide: Life on the Street and The Corner.
He is best known for portraying a Baltimore police officer named Bobby Brown in HBO’s acclaimed drama. He first appeared uncredited in season one before returning in seasons four and five, ultimately appearing in 12 episodes.
In addition to The Wire, Brown also appeared in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Simon’s more recent series, We Own This City. He also directed two films, Tear the Roof Off and Off the Chain.
Our thoughts are with Brown's loved ones at this time.