Update 4:25 p.m.
The family of Philip Seymour Hoffman released the following statement on the Oscar-winning actor’s death:
“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.”
Update 3:30 p.m.
The Crime Scene Unit just arrived and entered the building.
Update 2:45 p.m.
Police at the scene said Hoffman’s body was still inside of the building and would be brought out soon. A Metro photographer on scene said lots of fans are showing up.A spokesperson for the medical examiner’s office said the cause of death would not likely be determined until Monday.
Police stand outside of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Manhattan apartment while fans gather on the scene. Credit: Miles Dixon/Metro
A law enforcement official said the cause of death was apparent as an overdose, since the needle was still in the actor’s arm when he was found.
Original:
Academy Award-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead in his Manhattan apartment Sunday, police said.
Hoffman, 46,was found in his West Village apartment with a needle in his arm a little before noon, police said.
The actor hadbattled drug and alcohol addiction but had been sober, reports say, until relapsing last May.
The medical examiner will determine cause of death, police said.
He had been filming the latest installment of “The Hunger Games,” titled “Mockingjay — Part 2.”
Hoffman had been the subject of a death hoax as recently as this weekend.
With reporting by Emily Johnson.
