Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd was fatally shot on Saturday morning in Georgia, according to Atlanta police spokesman Anthony Grant, reported CNN.

The police responded for an injured person call, however, Byrd was found unresponsive at the scene.

The 70-year-old actor was pronounced dead by the police with multiple gunshot wounds to the back.

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As a film director Byrd worked with director Spike Lee on many projects including ‘He Got Game’, ‘Get on the Bus’ and ‘Clockers’.

“Tom Is My Guy,” Lee wrote on his Instagram. “May We All Wish Condolences And Blessings To His Family. Rest In Peace Brother Byrd,” he added.

Byrd, also a stage actor, was nominated in 2003 for a Tony for his performance in the Broadway revival of Ma Rainey’s ‘Black Bottom’, co-starring Whoopi Goldberg and Charles S Dutton.