Rizzoli & Isles star Lee Thompson Young has reportedly committed suicide. The 29-year-old actor is said to have died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His body was found in his Los Angeles home after he didn't show up for work this morning. His publicist has submitted a statement confirming his death, and TNT, the network that airs his current TV show, also issued a statement expressing their condolences. TMZ reports that when he didn't arrive to work - presumably the set of TNT's Rizzoli & Isles - staffers called his landlord, who went to his home to check in on him and found his body.
TMZ went on to share confirmation from Young's publicist:
"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."
TNT went on to share their own statement in response to the news, expressing devastation and heartbreak at the actor's passing.
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. Lee will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him, both on- and offscreen, for his positive energy, infectious smile and soulful grace. We send our deepest condolences and thoughts to his family, to his friends and, most especially, to his beloved mother.
It sounds like he was a great guy and one who will surely be missed by his friends, family and coworkers.
It's surprising and sad news, especially when we take into account the actor's young age. And at 29, he's the same age as Bachelor contestant Gia Allemand, who took her own life just last week. This news also follows the death of That 70s Show star Lisa Robin Kelly, who also passed away unexpectedly at the age of 43 last week, though the cause of death in her case seems unclear at this point.
Prior to playing the Detective Barry Frost on TNT's Rizzoli & Isles, Lee got his first big break with the title role in the Disney Channel series The Famous Jett Jackson, which debuted in 1998. Later in his career, he played the recurring role of Victor Stone/Cyborg on Smallville. His credits also include FlashForward, Scrubs, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and the role of Chris Comer in the 2004 film Friday Night Lights.
Here's a video interview of the actor talking about football, presumably for the FNL movie.
Once again, our thoughts go out to Young's family and friends in their time of loss as they attempt to make sense of this tragedy.
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