Former Disney Channel star Lee Thompson Young was found dead Monday in his home of an apparent suicide. The Rizzoli & Isles actor didn’t show up to the set Monday morning, causing staffers to check on him. He was discovered by a landlord with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Related: The Trailblazer & Celebrity Deaths of 2012
Young starred in the popular Disney Channel show, The Famous Jett Jackson, as a teenager trying to juggle a normal childhood with television fame. He also played in Disney’s Johnny Tsunami, the Friday Night Lights film, and numerous episodes of Smallville.
Jonathan Baruch, Young’s manager confirmed the suicide with a statement.
“It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning. 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,” Baruch said.
Young was 29-years-old.
His Rizzoli & Isles co-star Sharon Lawrence and Flash Forward co-star Gabrielle Union reacted on Twitter:
“@JanetTamaro: We are broken-hearted. #RIPLeeThompsonYoung” Hole in my heart, without words and bewildered by the loss of such a kind soul.
— Sharon Lawrence (@sharonlawrence) August 19, 2013
I had the pleasure of working w/ #LeeThompsonYoung on Flash Forward & he was an extremely talented … http://t.co/ZIszod3eR7
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) August 19, 2013
