Lee Thompson Young, who starred in Disney Channel’s The Famous Jett Jackson from 1998 until 2001, is dead at 29. TMZ reports the young actor was found dead in his apartment after sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning,” Lee’s publicist confirmed to TMZ. “Lee was more than just a brilliant young actor, he was a wonderful and gentle soul who will be truly missed.”
Although Lee was best-known as a teenage actor, he had continued success after The Famous Jett Jackson. He starred in the Friday Night Lights movie and had a recurring role on Rizzoli & Isles at the time of his death.
Production staff from Rizzoli & Isles asked Lee’s landlord to check on him when he didn’t show up for filming on Monday morning. The landlord discovered Lee’s body and alerted authorities.
UPDATE TNT, Warner Bros. and Rizzoli & Isles Executive Producer Janet Tamaro released a joint statement about Lee’s death:
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. 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.
