david mills

Bernard Simon, father of HBO showrunner David Simon (pictured), has died of natural causes at the age of 89, the Washington Post is reporting.

After starting his career as a reporter for various New Jersey dailies, Mr. Simon served as public relations director of B'nai B'rith, the international Jewish service organization, for over 30 years, continuing to work at the company in varying positions into the '90s.

He died Tuesday at his home in Olney, his son confirmed.

Best known for creating acclaimed HBO shows 'The Wire' and 'Treme,' David Simon spoke fondly of his father in an email to the Post, reminiscing about Mr. Simon's character when his father was in the midst of editing his first book, 'Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets. "He tried to systematically delete every single profanity, even those in quotes. He could never be as blunt as the world often is," he recalled.

Sad news for HBO's 'Treme': NOLA.com has confirmed that staff writer and co-executive producer David Mills died Tuesday of a brain aneurysm in New Orleans, according to an HBO spokesperson. He was 48.

"HBO is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our dear friend and colleague David Mills. He was a gracious and humble man, and will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him, as well as those who were aware of his immense talent. David has left us too soon but his brilliant work will live on," HBO said in a statement released to the NY Times.

Mills, who begin his career as a newspaper writer, took part in a number of popular TV shows during his career, from 'Homicide,' to 'ER' to 'The Wire.' He also won two Emmys for the 2000 miniseries 'The Corner,' for which he teamed with fellow 'Treme' producer David Simon.

Sad news coming out of the New Orleans set of the new HBO series 'Treme': writer and producer David Mills collapsed Tuesday on the set and later passed away at a local hospital. According to the Times-Picayune site, Mills had a brain aneurysm.

Mills was head writer and producer on the show, which is about how a group of people of New Orleans rebuild their lives after Hurricane Katrina. Mills won two Emmys for his writing and producing on the HBO miniseries 'The Corner' and wrote for several other shows as well, including 'ER,' 'Homicide: Life on the Street,' 'Kingpin,' 'NYPD Blue,' and was a story editor on the CBS drama 'Picket Fences.' He also wrote for several newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.

'Treme' premieres on April 11.