Breaking: Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd Dies At 70 From Apparent Shooting

• Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd dead at 70 in apparent shooting.
• Close friend and former rep says he learned Byrd was in an argument with someone prior to the shooting.
• New information to be released soon.

Tony-nominated actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd has died at age 70 from an apparent shooting. Atlanta Police Department tells Fox News that officers were dispatched on Saturday at 1:45 a.m. and “located a male lying unresponsive at the location.”

The man was later identified as Byrd, who was pronounced “deceased from multiple gunshot wounds to the back.” A statement from the police department reads, “Homicide detectives responded to the scene and are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation continues at this time.”

Remembering Thomas Jefferson Byrd

The police department further stresses that this is all “preliminary in nature and could change as the investigation progresses or new information comes to light.” Byrd’s friend and former representation Craig Wyckoff spoke with Fox News. He said he was told by mutual friends that Byrd had gotten into an argument at a store before heading home.

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Wyckoff says the person arguing with Byrd followed him home and shot him three times in the back, ultimately killing him.

His work in Spike Lee films

Byrd was known for often collaborating with writer-director Spike Lee, who posted a tribute message to his late friend and colleague. “I’m So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta, Georgia. Brother Byrd Also Did His Thang In My Joints- CHI-RAQ, SWEET BLOOD OF JESUS, RED HOOK SUMMER, BAMBOOZLED, HE GOT GAME, GET ON THE BUS, GIRL 6 And CLOCKERS. May We All Wish Condolences And Blessings To His Family. Rest In Peace Brother Byrd,” Lee writes in his post, alongside a photo of Byrd in the film Clockers.

Byrd was also known for his roles in Set It Off, He Got Game and Ray. He was also nominated for a Tony in 2003 for his role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. May he rest in peace.