Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Michael K Williams’ cause of death has been confirmed as an accidental drug overdose by the New York medical examiner.
The examiner confirmed that the 54-year-old actor’s death was caused by “acute intoxication” of a combination of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and p-fluorofentanyl.
Williams, who rose to fame for his performance as Omar Little in The Wire, was found dead on 6 September in his New York home.
Williams’ death led to an outpouring of grief from fans and from those in the entertainment world. Former colleagues, such as The Wire creator David Simon and film director Spike Lee, paid tribute to him on social media.
As well as The Wire, Williams won acclaim for his role as Chalky White on period gangster drama Boardwalk Empire and mini-series The Night Of.
Williams was also an Emmy nominee this year for his work on HBO’s Lovecraft Country, in which he starred alongside Jonathan Majors.
He was considered a favourite for the award but lost out to The Crown’s Tobias Menzies, who later dedicated his win to Williams.
As well as TV, Williams was prolific in film, starring in The Road, The Incredible Hulk, Inherent Vice and Motherless Brooklyn among others.
He got his start in the entertainment industry as a backing dancer for the likes of George Michael and Madonna.
The medical examiner has said that they will not be commenting any further on the case.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments