Disney actor commits suicide

Actor Lee Thompson Young, who once played the lead on the Disney show The Famous Jett Jackson, has died. He was 29.

 

The Los Angeles Police Department says that Young was found dead in his apartment.  In a statement, Young's manager said, "It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning," adding, "Lee was more than just a brilliant young actor, he was a wonderful and gentle soul who will be truly missed. We ask that you please respect the privacy of his family and friends as this very difficult time.”

 

TMZ reported that Young died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.  In addition, the website reports that Young's body was discovered after staffers on his current show, TNT's Rizzoli & Isles, called his landlord and asked him to check up on Young.

 

In addition to his work on The Famous Jett Jackson and Rizzoli & Isles, Young also appeared in the movie Friday Night Lights, The Hills Have Eyes 2 and Akeelah and the Bee.  His TV work included appearances on Scrubs, The Guardian, Smallville and The Event; he also was part of the cast of the ABC drama FlashForward.

 

A statement from TNT, Warner Bros. and Rizzoli & Isles executive producer Janet Tamaro reads, "Everyone at Rizzoli & Isles is devastated by the news of the passing of Lee Thompson Young. We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, gentle, good-hearted, intelligent man. He was truly a member of our family....we send our deepest condolences and thoughts to his family, to his friends and, most especially, to his beloved mother."

 

(Photo: Via Facebook/Lee Thompson Young) 

 

- ABC News