Philip Seymour Hoffman dead: Jennifer Lawrence and Hunger Games cast react to the tragic death of co-star: ‘Our hearts are breaking’

Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence paid tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman (Getty Images)

Jennifer Lawrence and the cast of the Hunger Games have broken their silence on the tragic death of co-star Philip Seymour Hoffman, who was found on the floor of his New York City apartment on Sunday.

The 46-year-old actor was discovered by his personal assistant and his friend, the playwright David Katz just after midday, having died from a suspected drug overdose.

Hoffman had been making two Hunger Games Mockingjay movies back-to-back in the months leading up to his death, and spent the majority of his time on and off set with the stars and crew of the franchise.

“Words cannot convey the devastating loss we are all feeling right now,” a joint statement from the cast read. “Philip was a wonderful person and an exceptional talent, and our hearts are breaking. Our deepest condolences go out to his family.”

Hoffman first played the role of eccentric and rebellious games master Plutarch Heavensbee in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, which premiered in the UK in November 2013.

As he had already finished filming the first Mockingjay film, and there was only one significant scene left to film in the final installment of the franchise, producers confirmed today that they would not be recasting the role, and that the release of the films would not be delayed.

“Philip Seymour Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation,” production company Lionsgate said in a statement.

“We're very fortunate that he graced our Hunger Games family.

“Losing him in his prime is a tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Philip’s family.”

As of yet, no official cause of death has been confirmed, but New York Police said Hoffman untimely passing was likely caused by a drugs overdose.

Philip Seymour Hoffman with the main cast of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' in November last year (Getty Images)

Police later confirmed in a statement that the actor was found unresponsive on the bathroom floor of his Greenwich Village apartment after officers responded to a 911 call.

CNN, citing a law enforcement official, reported that the actor was last seen alive at 8pm on Saturday and had been expected to pick up his children on Sunday but failed to show up.