Cause Of Death Revealed: ‘Wire’ Star Michael K. Williams Died Of Toxic Fentanyl, Heroin & Cocaine Accidental OD
Sept. 24 2021, Published 4:41 p.m. ET
Michael K. Williams suffered an accidental overdose due to a deadly combination of drugs, according to the NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
The Wire actor's cause of death was released on Friday, nearly three weeks after his unexpected passing.
The CME ruled Williams died from “acute intoxication by the combined effects of fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, heroin and cocaine." They ruled his death an accident.
The Emmy-nominated actor was found dead by his nephew inside his Brooklyn penthouse on August 6.
New York Post broke the story, claiming the police found drug paraphernalia inside his apartment, which led them to believe that Williams overdosed.
Authorities told the outlet no foul play was suspected, saying there was "no forced entry" and his "apartment was in order.”
Williams rose to fame when he played Omar on The Wire. His latest role in HBO's Lovecraft Country even got him nominated at the 2021 Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
The Emmys took place on September 19, just 13 days after Williams' shocking death.
The actor struggled with substance abuse issues, including his days on The Wire. In 2016, he spoke out about the moment he went to church and begged for help.
"When I came through those doors, I was broken. … This was, I would say, around the … third season of The Wire," Williams recalled.
"I was on drugs. … I was in jeopardy of destroying everything I had worked so hard for, and I came in those doors, and I met a man who had never even heard of The Wire, much less watched it," he explained.
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“I wrote my full name down — Michael Kenneth Williams — and in the office, [the pastor] turns around, and he says, ‘So what do you want to be called, man?’ I said, ‘Well, you know, my name is Michael, but I could do Mike.’ He says, ‘Why does everybody say, ‘Omar, Omar’s in trouble?’” And I was like, ‘Oh, this dude is clueless [about the show],' Williams continued.
Following Williams tragic death, tributes from Hollywood's A-list came pouring in.
