Bobby J. Brown, 'The Wire' Actor, Dies In MD Barn Fire

ST. MARY'S COUNTY, MD — Bobby J. Brown, an actor known for his roles in "The Wire" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," died in a fire at his Maryland home this week, according to officials and reports. He was 62.

Brown's agent, Albert Bramante, confirmed Brown's death in a statement to USA Today on Thursday.

"He transitioned from a champion in the boxing ring to a powerful presence on screen with a grace and dedication that inspired everyone at the agency," Bramante said in a statement. "He was a true professional and an even better human being. We are heartbroken by this loss."

TMZ first reported the news.

According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the blaze occurred in a barn on Brown's property located on Roosevelt Boulevard in Chaptico, which is in St. Marys County.

Fire crews responded to the location around 10 p.m. Tuesday after receiving a 911 call telling them that a barn was on fire, and a person was trapped inside. Firefighters arrived to find the barn nearly fully engulfed in fire.

According to officials, Brown went into the barn to jump-start a vehicle. He later called his wife and requested a fire extinguisher. When she went outside, the fire had already spread throughout the barn.

After the fire was brought under control, firefighters located Brown within the barn. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Maryland Medical Examiner's Office told CBS News Brown's cause of death was diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation, and that it was an accident.

Family members told TMZ that Brown's wife suffered severe burns while trying to save him. She was taken to MedStar Washington Hospital Center for treatment.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Brown was born in Washington, D.C., and began his career as an amateur boxer, with a 73-13 record that included five Golden Glove Championships, according to CBS News. Brown went on to train with Carmen Graziano and boxed professionally in New Jersey, which led to an acting gig with Mickey Rourke in 1988's "Homeboy," according to IMDb.

Brown was known for playing a police officer on the HBO drama "The Wire." He also guest-starred in "Law & Order: SVU," "We Own This City," "Homicide: Life on the Street" and "The Corner."