Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman Dead at 46

Updated: Feb. 3, 2014, at 7 a.m.

Oscar-winning actor and director Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead in his New York City apartment Sunday. He was 46.

Hoffman was found on the bathroom floor with a syringe in his arm and an envelope filled with what appeared to be heroin, according to the Wall Street Journal, the first outlet to break news of his death. “He had a needle sticking out of his arm,” one unnamed official told the paper. “It’s pretty apparent that it was an overdose,” another official told the New York Times.

The actor had struggled with addiction early in his life and spoke candidly about his substance abuse. In May of last year, he went to rehab for heroin use after saying he’d remained clean for 23 years.

Hoffman’s body was discovered by friend and playwright David Bar Katz after the actor reportedly missed an appointment to pick up his three children with partner Mimi O’Donnell. The New York Police Department is investigating the actor’s death.

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Throughout the day fans and mourners gathered outside the West Village apartment while Hoffman’s body remained inside. Around 6:30 p.m., a medical examiner van backed up to the million-dollar condo building to haul away his body. An autopsy is planned for Monday, according to the medical examiner’s office.

The actor’s family released a statement: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone. This is a tragic and sudden loss and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grieving. Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers.”

Hoffman, best known for winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 2005 film Capote, also earned three nominations for Best Supporting Actor throughout this career. His movies included The Big Lebowski, Boogie Nights, Charlie Wilson’s War, and The Master.

[WSJ]

This story was updated to include a statement from Philip Seymour Hoffman’s family.