NEW YORK, Feb. 3 (UPI)–The New York medical examiner’s office told CNN it plans to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death.
The Oscar winner’s body was found on the bathroom floor of his Manhattan apartment Sunday morning. He was 46.
Police said they suspect he died of a heroin overdose because a needle was found in his arm and drugs were discovered in his home.
The star of “The Master,” “Capote” and “Twister” had spoken candidly about a history of substance abuse which dated back to his 20s. He reportedly had been clean for more than two decades when he suffered a relapse in 2012 and started using drugs again.
An autopsy is expected to be conducted on his remains Monday, however, the exact cause of his death likely won’t be determined for several weeks when the results of toxicology tests are complete.
At the time of his death, Hoffman was working on a new Showtime comedy series called “Happyish,” but the fate of the project is now unclear.
“Philip Seymour Hoffman was one of our generation’s finest and most brilliant actors,” the cable television network said in a statement. “He was also a gifted comedic talent. It was a great privilege and pleasure to work with him and we are all absolutely devastated by this sudden loss. Our thoughts go out to his family at this very difficult time.”
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our beloved friend, company member, and former artistic director, Philip Seymour Hoffman,” New York’s Labyrinth Theater Company said in a statement. “His contributions to the Labyrinth family as an artist and mentor are immeasurable. We join everyone in mourning the passing of one of the great lights of our generation.”
Hoffman is survived by his three young children and longtime partner Mimi O’Donnell.
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