Film actor Ruffalo mourns brother

Mark Ruffalo played the doctor in Blindness

Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has paid tribute to his brother Scott, who has died a week after being wounded in the head with a shotgun in Los Angeles.

The actor, whose credits include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and his family thanked well-wishers for their "outpouring of prayers".

A woman who was held in connection with the incident has been released, according to the Associated Press.

Her lawyer said Scott Ruffalo's wound was self-inflicted.

'Accidental shooting'

"This was an accidental shooting by someone that plays with guns," said Ronald Richards.

He added that Shaha Mishaal Adham, a friend of Scott Ruffalo, had gone to the hairdresser's house and, upon finding him dead, had made the mistake of "not staying at the scene of the shooting".

This had "caused an incredible chain reaction of stupidity and bad luck" that had led to her detainment, Mr Richards added.

He said that Ms Adham would not face any charges.

Los Angeles police said that more information would be given later on Wednesday.

Another man, Brian B Schofield, was released after questioning on Monday.

Scott Ruffalo died on Monday after his life support machine was switched off.

His family announced that a fund would be created in his honour, and said that his funeral service would be private.

"Mark Ruffalo and his family deeply appreciate the outpouring of prayers and support during this most difficult time of the passing of Scott Ruffalo, beloved son, brother and husband," they said in a statement.

His 41-year-old actor brother also appeared in Blindness, which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.