Wellcome to graceomama blog: Former Disney star Lee Thompson Young found dead aged 29 after suicide

Former Disney star Lee Thompson Young found dead aged 29 after suicide
Former Disney star Lee Thompson Young has died aged 29 after suicide.
There was no official cause of death, but Young's manager confirmed Monday that the Famous Jett Jackson actor 'tragically took his own life.'
'Lee was more than just a brilliant young actor, he was a wonderful and gentle soul who will be truly missed,' said Paul Baruch. 'We ask that you please respect the privacy of his family and friends as this very difficult time.'
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Passed away: Former Disney star Lee Thompson Young was found dead on Monday morning in his LA home from an alleged self-inflicted gunshot wound, pictured in LA in 2006

Young's body was found at his North Hollywood home by police Monday morning after he failed to show up for work on TNT's crime drama Rizzoli & Isles, police Officer Sally Madera said. The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned and pronounced him dead at the scene, she said.
LAPD robbery-homicide detectives and the Los Angeles County coroner office were investigating because it is a high-profile death, she said. Madera had no details about the cause of death.
According to TMZ, the actor died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Tragic: A Los Angeles County coroner vehicle was seen parked outside Young's LA apartment on Monday

Young's death remains a mystery because he did not leave a suicide note, TMZ reported, and although the actor did have a diary none of the writings explain the reasoning behind him taking his own life.
In addition, Young was last seen on Saturday and law enforcement officials believe that the star may have committed suicide that same day, the website also reported.
Young's death is the second high profile suicide in a week following Bachelor star Gia Allemand's hanging last Monday and subsequent death Wednesday, also at the age of 29.
Young made a name for himself as the title character in Disney's The Famous Jett Jackson, which ran from 1998 to 2001.
He then went on to play running back Chris Comer in the 2004 film Friday Night Lights, before landing the lead role on Rizzoli & Isles for the past three seasons as Boston police detective Barry Frost.

Investigation: A police car was also seen parked outside the building

Earlier Monday, TNT announced it was renewing the series that stars Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander.
'We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, gentle, good-hearted, intelligent man. 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,' TNT, studio Warner Bros. and series producer Janet Tamaro said in a joint statement.
They sent condolences to his mother and other family members.

Dream role: Young was currently playing Detective Barry Frost in the TNT show Rizolli & Isles

According to a biography from TNT, Young was inspired to pursue acting when, at age, 10, he played Martin Luther King Jr. in a play in Young's hometown of Columbia, South Carolina.
Young followed his stint at Disney it with roles in TV series, including The Guardian, Scrubs and Smallville and in the films Akeelah and the Bee and The Hills Have Eyes II. Young joined Rizzoli & Isles when it debuted in 2010.

Making a name for himself: The 29-year-old starred as footballer Chris Comer in the 2004 film Friday Night Lights

Young said in 2011 that he valued his start as a child star.
'It's always a really great feeling when I talk to people who watched Jett Jackson, because we were the same age,' he told EW.com. 'We were all kids. I was 13 when I started working on that show and that was part of my childhood. And it's kind of like we have that in common.
'It means a lot to me when people enjoyed it and when it was a part of their childhood,' he added.
'It's cool when you see people revert back for a quick second to middle school, and they're like, "Oh, man! I remember..." It's really great to me that our work is still with people after 10 years.'
Young, a graduate of University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, was an avid photographer, traveler and student of martial arts, according to his biography.

'He was an extremely talented beautiful soul' - Gabrielle Union leads Twitter tributes

A host of stars took to Twitter to post their condolences:
Gabrielle Union: 'I had the pleasure of working w/ #LeeThompsonYoung on Flash Forward & he was an extremely talented beautiful soul. My thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones. #RIP.'
Solange Knowles: 'Very very sad to hear about Lee Thompson Young. He was always very kind, and such a light.'
Glee‘s Jenna Ushkowitz: 'My deepest thoughts and love to the friends and family who knew Lee Thompson Young.'
Tia Mowry: 'My heart goes out to Lee Thompson Young. RIP. These child stars are leaving us too soon! My heart is aching…'

Donald Faison: 'This breaks my heart. RIP Lee Thompson Young.'

Harry Shum Jr:: 'Feeling incredibly sad about Lee Thompson Young. My heart goes out to his family and friends. #gonetoosoon.'
Amber Riley: “Man…RIP #LeeThompsonYoung #Jett Jackson…Everything that glitters isn’t gold. You just never know, that just tore me up a little. Man…”
Lee's show Rizzoli & Isles' official Twitter page said: “We’re devastated by the news of the passing of Lee Thompson Young. Lee will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him.”