Disney Actor Lee Thompson Young Dead at 29
Lee Thompson Young, former Disney actor, was found dead in his Hollywood home after an alleged suicide on Monday. The police have not released any official statement, however the 29-year-old's manager, Paul Baruch said that the actor "tragically took his own life".
Young appeared on TV crime drama Rizzoli & Isles since its premiere in 2010 as Detective Barry Ross. He played a homicide detective who cannot stand the sight of blood. TNT announced that Rizzoli & Isles has been renewed for another season.
Young's body was found after he failed to arrive for work.
A statement released by TNT said: "We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, gentle, good-hearted, intelligent man."
"We are all without the words to truly express our collective grief and profound sadness at the loss of such a sweet, bright light," Rizzoli & Isles creator Janet Tamaro tweeted. "We are broken-hearted. #RIPLeeThompsonYoung."
Singer Solange Knowles tweeted, "Very very sad to hear about Lee Thompson Young. He was always very kind, and such a light."
Actress Monique Coleman, who went to the same South Carolina church as Young in her childhood, posted that the news "breaks her heart".
Young also wanted to be a writer, and had written some TV episodes. His writing partner, Columbus Short, posted that his "heart is broken today. RIP to my dear friend and brother". He added, "I'm going to make sure the world sees and knows what an amazing writer and visionary Lee Young was. I'm going to make our movie."