Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has been found dead in his New York apartment of a suspected drug overdose.
The 46-year-old father of three was found by his friend and screenwriter, David Bar Katz, at around 11:30am local time after the Capote actor missed an appointment to pick up the three children he fathered with longtime girlfriend Mimi O’Donnell.
The pair reportedly separated a few months ago and Philip was renting an apartment less than three blocks from the home the pair had shared since 2008.
Mimi, a costume designer, was reportedly seen in a inconsolable state as she entered his apartment. Police banned her, however, from entering the bathroom where he died.
Reports say the actor became increasingly troubled in the months leading to his death.
The New York Times reports Philip was found with a hypodermic needle still stuck in his arm and that heroin was found in the West Village apartment.
“It’s pretty apparent it was an overdose,” an official told the paper. “The syringe was in his arm.”
Police found five empty glassine envelopes in a garbage bin, two more under the bed and one on a table in the apartment. They also found a charred spoon in the kitchen sink.
Philip’s manager has released a statement from his grieving family, who have called his accidental death “a tragic and sudden loss”.
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone,” the statement says.
“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.”
Police officials remain at the scene, where they continue their investigation.
