James Ransone, The Wire Actor, Dies by Suicide

James Ransone, the actor best known for his role as Ziggy Sobotka in the second season of HBO's The Wire, died by suicide on Friday in Los Angeles. He was 46.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a hanging, with the location listed as a shed at a residence. No foul play was suspected, according to authorities. Ransone is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two young children, 6-year-old Jack and 4-year-old Violet.

McPhee shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on Sunday, posting a photo of the couple with her hand on her baby bump from an earlier time. "I told you I have loved you 1000 times before and I know I will love you again," she wrote. "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." She also linked to a GoFundMe campaign to support the family, which had raised nearly $50,000 toward a $120,000 goal by Monday.

Born in Baltimore in 1979, Ransone grew up in the city that inspired The Wire. His breakout role came in 2003 as Chester "Ziggy" Sobotka, the impulsive son of a dockworkers' union leader, in the show's...