James Ransone, "The Wire" Star, Dies by Suicide at 46: LA Medical Examiner Confirms

James Ransone, an American actor acclaimed for his role as Ziggy Sobotka in HBO’s The Wire, has died at the age of 46. According to multiple news outlets, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Ransone died by suicide on December 19, 2025. The versatile actor who stole scenes as the reckless Ziggy Sobotka and later terrified audiences in horror hits like It: Chapter Two and The Black Phone was found dead in his Los Angeles home. 

Known for his raw intensity in Generation Kill, Treme, and Poker Face, Ransone had been open about past battles with addiction and childhood trauma. His sudden passing cuts short a career full of gritty, memorable turns. 

James Ransone's Cause of Death

RIP James Ransone. His horror credits included the Sinister movies, It: Chapter Two, and The Black Phone. pic.twitter.com/1qb7EOgljZ

— evil (@EVILSCRE4M) December 21, 2025

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that Ransone died by suicide on Friday, December 19, 2025. Medical records and public records list the manner of death as a death by suicide, and local authorities found no indication of foul play. The Medical Examiner's office ruled Ransone's death a suicide, listing hanging as the method in online records. 

The body was released to the family; no further details on timing or notes emerged yet. Ransone's wife, Jamie McPhee, had posted a cryptic update days prior, fueling concern. While detailed findings from the medical examiner’s report have not been fully released, the suicide ruling is part of the official record shared by multiple outlets.

Ransone's Career Highlights

From Baltimore's Carver Center for Arts, Ransone broke out in The Wire's Season 2 as the foul-mouthed dockworker. His TV stints included Bosch and a Poker Face guest spot. David Simon called it "grievous and awful" in a statement to the Baltimore Banner.

His breakout performance came as Ziggy Sobotka on HBO’s The Wire, a role that brought him broad recognition. Over his career, he appeared in projects including:

• It: Chapter Two (as Eddie Kaspbrak)
• The Black Phone and Black Phone 2
• Sinister and Sinister 2
• HBO’s Generation Kill and Bosch
• Poker Face and other television series

Mental Health and Personal Struggles in the Spotlight

something I just learned that I thought was really beautiful about James Ransone:

apparently in 2006, he stepped in and stopped a rape from happening. as an SA survivor himself, what an incredibly brave way to honor your own experience by preventing someone else's. https://t.co/InyGkSw1i7 pic.twitter.com/l8KtRNEdCR

— Sassington, M.C. (@MissSassbox) December 21, 2025

Ransone got sober in 2006 after heroin nearly derailed him, sharing in interviews how Generation Kill saved his path. A 2021 Instagram post revealed childhood sexual abuse by a tutor, haunting him with shame. No recent cries for help were noted publicly, but his candour raised awareness.

He had been open in past interviews about personal challenges, including substance abuse and recovery. In 2021, he shared that he had been sexually abused as a child, and he spoke candidly about how that trauma influenced his life and struggles with addiction earlier in adulthood.

Conclusion

The death of James Ransone marks the loss of a talented actor whose work left a lasting impact on television and film audiences. As the official ruling confirms suicide, his passing also serves as a reminder of the complex realities of mental health and the importance of compassionate, careful public discussion and support. If you or someone you know needs help, crisis resources are available.