The medical examiner's report for actor James Ransone has been released, providing additional details about the circumstances surrounding his death in December 2025 at the age of 46.
According to the medical report, obtained by Us Weekly on Wednesday, July 1, Ransone had a medical history of mental health issues and suicidal ideations prior to his death. The medical examiner's office revealed that prescription medications were found at the scene, but there was no drug paraphernalia and no note found at the scene.
In the scene description section, authorities documented that multiple prescription medications labeled diazepam, hydroxyzine, and trazodone were discovered at the location. Despite the presence of these medications, the medical examiner confirmed that Ransone did not leave a note or message before his death.
The toxicology report presented unexpected findings. Although prescription medications were found at the scene, testing conducted one day after Ransone's death revealed his body was free of the drugs examined. A preliminary test for benzodiazepines, commonly known as Benzos, initially showed a presumptive positive result. However, when a second test was conducted, the drug was not detected.
The comprehensive toxicology screening tested for numerous substances, all of which were not detected in Ransone's system. These included cocaine, metabolites, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and MDMA. Additionally, opiates such as codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and phencyclidine were not found. Alcohol was also not detected in his blood, according to the report.
The medical examiner's report incorporated information from police records and a witness statement provided by Ransone's brother. According to his brother's account, Ransone had a history of suicidal ideations but no prior attempts to take his own life before December 2025. The file also stated that the decedent recently mentioned he needed to go to the hospital to receive treatment for unspecified mental health issues, per his brother's statement to authorities.
News of the actor's death first broke in December 2025. Records viewed by Us Weekly at the time confirmed that The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled the death an apparent suicide. Ransone's official cause of death was listed as suicide on his death certificate, which Us Weekly viewed in early January.
Ransone is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children, Jack and Violet. Two months after his death, Us Weekly confirmed that McPhee filed a property petition in Los Angeles. She revealed that a written agreement between herself and Ransone does not exist, but was asking the court to determine her late husband's estate as now belonging to her since they had been married since 2017.
In May, McPhee gave an update on her family amid their grief as she celebrated her and Ransone's son, Jack, turning 7 years old. Writing via Instagram at the time, she expressed gratitude for the support her family has received.
"To all of our friends and family — it takes a village indeed. We love everyone so much," she wrote via Instagram at the time. "Thank you for all your support, love, kindness, food, tears, and laughs these last 5 months. I can finally see that every day is a gift so on this one we celebrate Jack together. Thank you thank you thank you."
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
