James Ransone's death has been formally ruled a suicide
The Wire actor passed away on 19 December at the age of 46, and his death certificate, which was issued on 29 December, has officially recorded the fact he took his own life, People magazine reports.
12 January 2026
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner had previously ruled his death an apparent suicide.
Shortly after his death, James' widow, Jamie McPhee, paid an emotional tribute to the Generation Kill actor and thanked him for giving her the "greatest gift" of their two children, Jack, six, and four-year-old Violet.
In a post on Instagram, she shared a picture of James with a hand on her baby bump and wrote: "I told you I have loved you 1000 times before and I know I will love you again... You told me - I need to be more like you and you need to be more like me - and you were so right.
"Thank you for giving me the greatest gifts - you, Jack and Violet. We are forever."
Following James' death, a crowd-funding page was set up to support Jamie and the kids in the aftermath of the tragedy and she has shared a link on her Instagram page.
A statement posted on the fundraising platform explained: "On Friday, December 19th, we lost James Ransone - beloved husband, father, and friend.
"James, who his friends called PJ, was funny, magnetic, brilliant, and endlessly alive. Above all else, he was an extraordinary father.
"His wife, Jamie, known by her friends as Skipper, and their children, Jack and Violet, were the center of his world.
"They loved him infinitely, and he loved them just as fiercely in return. Their bond was deep, joyful, and unmistakable to anyone who witnessed it."
The message went on to add: "This fund has been created to support Jamie and the children as they navigate life after an unimaginable loss.
"Its purpose is simple: to give Jamie the space to focus fully on Jack and Violet, to care for them, protect their sense of security, and ensure they have a bright future - even without James's light present in their everyday lives.
"If you feel moved and are able to contribute, your support will go directly toward helping this family move forward with stability, care, and love.
"Thank you for holding Jamie, Jack, and Violet close in your hearts. Your generosity, kindness, and remembrance of James mean more than words can ever express."
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