Lee Thompson Young, the child star of Disney's hit show The Famous Jett Jackson among other shows, tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday (19 August) morning after apparently taking his own life. His death was confirmed later that day by The Wrap upon receiving a statement from Los Angeles police, with the site later confirming via a statement from his manager that the actor had taken his own life.

Lee Thompson Young
Lee Thompson Young has since been remembered fondly on sites like Twitter and FaceBook.

"It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning," Jonathan Baruch, Young's long-standing manager and friend said in a statement. "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 at this difficult time."

Young first found fame as the star of the Disney Channel's The Famous Jett Jackson, in which he played a teenage secret agent, before going on to appear in the film Friday Night Lights and earning roles in Smallville, FlashForward and Scrubs. Most recently he has appeared as part of the cast on the TNT crime series Rizzoli & Isles, whose executive producer, Janet Tamaro, released their own statement in the wake of Young's death detailing their own sadness. Her statement also revealed that filming on the current season of the show has been halted in the wake of Young'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," her statement for the show reads. "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."

Since his passing, the actor has been remembered by his friends and co stars, with Solange Knowles remembering him as a "very kind" human, whilst his Scrubs co-star Donald Faison described his passing as heart breaking.