The official said Mr. Hoffman, 46, was found in his West Village apartment around 11:30 a.m. by a friend who had become concerned at not being able to reach Mr. Hoffman.Hoffman won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2005 with his portrayal of Truman Capote in the film "Capote."
Investigators found a syringe in his arm and an envelope containing what is believed to be her0in, the official said.
"It's pretty apparent that it was an overdose," the official said. "The syringe was in his arm."