Actor Lee Thompson Young, 29, found dead
PEOPLE
Los Angeles

Actor Lee Thompson Young, 29, found dead

Donna Freydkin
USA TODAY
Lee Thompson Young, photographed here in 2009, has died at age 29.
  • Police were sent to Young%27s L.A. home after he failed to show up for filming Monday
  • The actor headlined %27The Famous Jett Jackson%27 and played Detective Barry Frost on TNT%27s %27Rizzoli %26 Isles%27
  • TNT and the Disney Channel have released statements of condolence

Former Disney star Lee Thompson Young has been found dead, and his manager confirmed that the actor committed suicide.

The actor, who headlined The Famous Jett Jackson (1998-2001) and most recently appeared as Detective Barry Frost on TNT's Rizzoli & Isles, was discovered at his home in Los Angeles Monday morning. He was 29.

Los Angeles police officer Sally Madera told the Associated Press that police were sent to the home to check on Young after he failed to show up for filming early Monday.

The actor's manager, Jonathan Baruch, confirms that Young took his own life.

Rizzoli showrunner Janet Tamaro tweeted on Monday: "We are all without the words to truly express our collective grief and profound sadness at the loss of such a sweet, bright light."

TNT said in a statement: "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."

The Disney Channel also released a statement: "Nothing any of us can say will adequately express our sadness over Lee's untimely passing — our thoughts are with his loved ones and the many fans of his work."

Condolences were pouring in via Twitter.

Harry Shum Jr. of Glee wrote: "Feeling incredibly sad about Lee Thompson Young. My heart goes out to his family and friends. #gonetoosoon"

Young broke out as high school football star Chris Comer in the 2004 movie Friday Night Lights. Fans also remember him as Devon in 2006's Akeelah and the Bee.

He also appeared in TV's The Guardian, South Beach, Scrubs and Smallville.

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