Patrick Dempsey has paid tribute to his late co-star Amanda Peterson.

The 49-year-old actor, who starred opposite the actress in the 1987 romantic comedy 'Can't Buy Me Love,' will always remember her as ''vibrant and young.''

In a touching post on Twitter, the former 'Grey's Anatomy' star wrote: ''In my memory, she will always be vibrant and young. Gone too soon. Sending my thoughts and prayers to Amanda's family.''

The 43-year-old actress was found dead at her Colorado home by the local police department on Sunday (05.07.15) after family members expressed concern for her welfare.

A cause of death has yet to be determined, but Amanda's father previously admitted ''she had some illness and a sleep apnea problem that may have contributed.''

He added that she had other illnesses ''including pneumonia and sinusitis [a common condition in which the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed]''.

Amanda quit acting after starring in the fantasy family film 'Windrunner' in 1994 in favour of moving to Colorado, while Patrick went on to enjoy success in 'Grey's Anatomy' before his character was dramatically killed off earlier this year.