Philip Seymour Hoffman Death: Four Arrested On Drug Suspicions

Four people have been arrested in connection to the drugs found at Philip Seymour Hoffman’s address when he was found dead, reportedly from a heroin overdose. The Oscar winning actor - best known for his role in Capote - was 46.

Seymour Hoffman in Capote, a film which he won Best Actor for at The Oscars

But while the arrests were made in connection to the narcotic, police officials are refusing to confirm that the arrests were directly related to the death of the popular actor, who passed away aged 46, shocking his professional peers and fans alike.

Sources, according to Sky News, have purported that around 50 envelopes were discovered in the apartment when Seymour Hoffman was found dead; some were empty, but tests showed they contained the drug heroin.

Further samples were taken to see if traces of fentanyl – a powerful synthetic morphine said to intensify the high of heroin – could be found, but there were no traces of the additive responsible for 22 suspected overdoses in western Pennsylvania.

Read up on Seymour Hoffman's battle with drugs

Hoffman had been open and candid about his struggle with narcotics and alcohol in his younger years, but the full extent of his battle with drugs was clearly never communicated, as he slipped into an overdose and was found early on Sunday (Feb 2) morning.

He had sought treatment after two decades of sobriety, checking into rehab in May for heroin use. A spokesman for the NYPD confirmed the death: "police were called by a friend of the actor. He was found dead in his bathroom of an apparent drug overdose," he said.

Hoffman won an Oscar for his portrayal of Truman Capote in the film Capote in 2005. His career then faced a stark ascendance, and saw him starring in independent film & theatre as well as big budget blockbusters like The Hunger Games and Mission Impossible. He also worked closley with Paul Thomas Anderson, starring in Boogie Nights, Punch Drunk Love and The Master.

Philip Seymour Hoffman in The Master

He was well loved, well liked and highly respected. Here are some tributes from fellow professionals:

Comedian Ricky Gervais wrote: "Such shocking & sad news. RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman. One of the greatest actors of a generation and a sweet, funny & humble man."

American singer and actress Lindsay Pearce posted: "Too many souls keep being lost to substance abuse. Thoughts to Philip Seymour Hoffman's loved ones and all affected by his loss. So sad."

Former England footballer Gary Lineker said: "Philip Seymour Hoffman's death is so sad. One of the World's greatest actors. Privileged to have seen him on Broadway. A terrible loss £RIP."

Actress Mia Farrow wrote: "OH NO!!!!! Philip Seymour Hoffman has died. A truly kind, wonderful man and one of our greatest actors - ever." She added: "Rest in peace Philip Seymour Hoffman. We who marveled at each of your performances, are grateful and very very sad."

Steve Coogan said: "There are actors and there are movie stars and sometimes they're both but he was an actor first and a movie star second, although he was a movie star."

Photo from Almost Famous (2000)

Robert De Niro called him "a wonderful actor", adding: I'm very, very saddened by the passing of Phil. He was a wonderful actor. This is one of those times where you say: 'This just shouldn't be’”.

Jennifer Lawrence, who starred with Hoffman in The Hunger Games, described him as an "such a incredible actor You played an excellent Plutarch. So sad."

Julianne Moore - who co-starred with Hoffman in Boogie Nights, Magnolia and The Big Lebowski - said: "I feel so fortunate to have known and worked with the extraordinary Philip Seymour Hoffman, and am deeply saddened by his passing."

George Clooney, who appeared alongside Hoffman in The Ides of March, said: "There are no words... It's just terrible."