"Mission: Impossible" star Ving Rhames (File Photo)

BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Two mastiffs at the home of "Mission: Impossible" star Ving Rhames mauled a 40-year-old man to death Friday, according to media reports Monday.

The victim, identified as Jacob Adams of Los Angeles, had worked at the actor's home for about two years and was responsible for caring for the dogs, said Los Angeles Police officer Sandra Gonzalez.

The two mastiffs, each weighing about 200 pounds (90 kilograms), apparently attacked Adams, whose body had numerous bite marks when it was found on the front lawn by officers.

"Two of those dogs appeared to be responsible for the tragic death," Officer Jason Lee said.

"It appeared that the person suffered a number of injuries as a result of the dog mauling," Sgt. Lee Sands said. "There were numerous dog bites all over his body, but the exact cause of death is pending the coroner's ruling."

Adams might have been mauled to death, but he also might have died of heart failure during the attack.

Several large dogs were running loose on the property when police responded to the scene shortly after 7:15 a.m. (10:15 a.m. ET) and animal control officers took three huge bull mastiffs and an English bulldog into custody.

The 46-year-old actor, known for starring in "Pulp Fiction" and alongside Tom Cruise in all three "Mission: Impossible" movies, was not at home when the attack happened.

Rhames bragged to Time magazine in 2001 that he had "eight Fila Brasileiro mastiffs -- the national dog of Brazil, also used by U.S. marines in jungle warfare."

(Agencies)