Update: Michael K. Williams’ Cause of Death Ruled Accidental Overdose Involving Fentanyl

Michael K. Williams: Actor Laid To Rest After Private Funeral Service Held In Harrisburg, NY

Update #1: New details have surfaced surrounding Michael K. Williams’ cause of death.
The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner announced that the 54-year-old actor died by

“acute intoxication by the combined effects of fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, heroin and cocaine.“

The manner of death was ruled an accident.

Original Story: Michael K. Williams is finally at peace.

‘The Wire’ star, Michael K. Williams, was laid to rest on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, after a private funeral service was reportedly held in Harrisburg, New York.

Michael K. Williams

As previously reported, Williams was found dead in his Brooklyn home on Sept. 6, 2021.

It is reported that about 150 family and friends, gathered at Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, to say goodbye to the beloved actor, brother, and friend.

In addition to family and friends, it is reported that there were over two dozen actors and other celebrities in attendance including Queen Latifah, and Williams’ ‘The Wire‘ castmates, Andre Royo, who played Bubbles, and Felicia ‘Snoop’ Pearson, who also doubled a pallbearer.

Felicia ‘Snoop’ Pearson

Andre Royo

On Instagram, director Ava DuVernay spoke about the late actor and what she learned about him from a Rolling Stone interview following his passing. With a video from a scene featuring Michael K. Williams in her Netflix film, ‘When They See Us,’

Freddy Miyares, Michael K. Williams, Jovan Adepo, Jharrel Jerome, Caleel Harris, Niecy Nash, Asante Blackk, Chris Chalk, Justin Cunningham, Ethan Herisse, and Joshua Jackson

“He was laid to rest today. And today I learned that he told a story to the press that I never knew he told anyone.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ava DuVernay (@ava)

Inserting Williams words from the interview, DuVernay added,

“From ROLLING STONE: “During a lunch meeting with DuVernay, he says she called Williams out on his reputation for drug use. ‘[She asked] ‘What’s up with you, man? Heard you’re a bit of a loose cannon, you OK? What’s going on?’ And I knew exactly what she was talking about. And I also knew that I would lose the part if I lied to her. That would hurt me if I did not come clean. And so I did,’ he said. ‘I remember leaving that meeting saying that if I get this opportunity I’m going to blow this shit out the water. I’m going to be 110% present. I’m going to relate to every living thing, I don’t care if it’s a fly… Ava renewed my vows with the reasons why I became an artist in the first place.” 

She completed her caption by saying,

“Actually, he renewed mine. He showed me what making art with your whole heart can do for an artist when it’s at its most pure. It feels like love. And it can never be taken for granted. Ever. Remembering all the honesty and beauty he gave me every moment that I knew him from that lunch forward. I wrestle with what else could have been done. What could I have done? But actually, those answers don’t matter anymore. And they are selfish questions in the first place. Guilt is about us. Not about the person who has departed. The facts are that he has journeyed on. What he battled is no more. He is free. He is love. And I pray that now, he revels in peace.”

According to the reports, Michael K. Williams’ final resting place will also be in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, where his mother Paula Thompson-Williams has been living for over 20 years.

What is your favorite Michael K. Williams character? Share with us in the comments.