RJ Mitte’s manner of death has been confirmed by Texas officials one month after the actor’s passing.
The Cameron County, Texas inquest report states that Mitte, 34, died by suicide by hanging. He was pronounced dead at 1:32 p.m. On Oct. 12, according to the document.
Mitte’s representative had previously confirmed his death in a statement. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” the representative wrote.
The statement highlighted Mitte’s most iconic role: “RJ Mitte was best known for his role as Walter ‘Flynn’ White Jr. On AMC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series ‘Breaking Bad.’ Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”
His representative added that “beyond entertaining friends and family around the world,” Mitte served as a proud ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s.
The actor’s death prompted tributes from several of his former Breaking Bad co-stars, who remembered him in the weeks following the announcement.
Mitte spent five seasons playing Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston’s meth-cooking chemistry teacher, on the AMC drama that ran from 2008 to 2013. The role made him one of the most visible actors with a disability on television during that era.
Born in Mississippi and raised in Louisiana, Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three. He began his acting career after moving to Los Angeles with his family, initially working as an extra before landing the Breaking Bad role that would define his public profile.
Following the series, Mitte continued acting while expanding his advocacy work. He spoke frequently about the need for authentic representation of disabled performers in Hollywood, often noting that characters with disabilities were too often played by actors without them.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.