Lee Thompson Young, the actor famous for his television work on Rizzoli & Isles and The Famous Jett Jackson, was found dead on Monday. The actor's cause of death and events leading to the discovery of his body on Monday (18th August) are being investigated by police and L.A. officials owing to the high-profile nature of the case.

Lee Thompson Young
Lee Thompson Young at a birthday celebration in L.A. in 2008. 

Young's body was found on Monday at his North Hollywood home after he failed to show up for work on Rizzoli & Isles. The cast and crew grew concerned about their colleague's whereabouts and contacted Young's landlord. The police were called and forcibly entered his apartment. According to a police spokeswoman, speaking to the Washington Post, he was declared dead by the L.A. Fire Department. 

It is believed, as stated by his representative, that Young committed suicide. His body was found, according to reports in TMZ, with a gun-shot wound, now believed to be self-afflicted. However, police and coroner officials are investigating in order to obtain a clear picture of events. This is due to the publicity generated by the news of his death.  

The statement by his representative said "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 gentle soul who will be truly missed."

Angie Harmon
Angie Harmon, who stars in Rizzoli and Isles, photographed at TNT's 25th Anniversary Party in L.A.

Young played Detective Barry Frost on TNT's Rizzoli & Isles, which stars Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander. Earlier on Monday, the television show was renewed for its fifth season which will air next summer. The show issued a statement shortly after news of the actor's death broke. It describes Young as "sweet, gentle, good-hearted" and "intelligent," continuing by declaring that Young "was truly a member of our family".

The cast and crew of the detective show said "Lee will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him, both on-and-off screen, 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."

Young also had roles in films such as The Hills Have Eyes 2 and Akeelah and the Bee. He appeared in such television shows as FlashForward, Smallville and Scrubs.

Sasha Alexander
Sasha Alexander at the opening of Caroline Herrera's Rodeo Drive store in L.A.