Actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman was found dead late this morning in his Manhattan, New York apartment by a close friend. The troubled 46 year old Oscar winner had been struggling with heroin addiction off and on for several years, when he was found unresponsive this morning, sources claim he had a needle sticking out of his arm.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman left behind his long-time girlfriend Mimi O’Donnell, and their three young children. Mimi and Hoffman have reportedly been together since 1999, and O’Donnell gave birth to their first child, Cooper Alexander, in 2003. Shortly following Cooper’s birth was his two younger sisters, Tallulah age 7, and Willa age 5.
Mimi O’Donnell, Hoffman’s long time companion and mother of their three young children, is reportedly distraught since learning of Phillip’s unexpected death. The family has managed to release an official statement to the press though:
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support. This is a tragic and sudden loss and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grieving.”
It is devastating that we have lost another talented actor, far too early, to drug abuse and addiction. However, it is even more heart-breaking when you take into consideration the fact that Seymour left behind three extremely young children. Friends and family are rallying behind Mimi O’Donnell to support her during this tragic time, not only is she mourning the loss of her long-time companion, she has to prepare herself for the difficult task of raising three children on her own.