American actor Michael K. Williams, the star of the popular HBO series The Wire, has been found dead in his Brooklyn penthouse.

Reports are that the 54-year-old was found in his apartment by his nephew on Monday afternoon (September 6).

Though the cause of death has not yet been confirmed, it is believed that Williams died from a possible drug overdose.

Williams has spoken in the past about his struggles with addiction and, according to sources close to the New York Post, drug paraphernalia was found in his apartment, validating the possibility of a fatal overdose.

In confirming the actor’s death, Williams’s representative said that it was “with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy-nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams. They ask for your privacy while grieving this unsurmountable loss”.

At the time of publication, one police source had confirmed that foul play was not suspected and there was no sign of forced entry.