Lee Thompson Young Dies at Age 29, Alleged Suicide

Lee Thompson Young, who played the lead in Disney Channel's The Famous Jett Jackson, has died at age 29.

Authorities believe that the cause of death was suicide. Young, who currently stars in TNT's Rizzoli & Isles, didn't show up to work this morning, according to TMZ. After staffers called to check up on him, Young's landlord reportedly discovered the body with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

lee thompson young

"Everyone at Rizzoli & Isles is devastated by the news of the passing of Lee Thompson Young," said Rizzoli & Isles EP Janet Tamaro in a statement on behalf of TNT and Warner Bros. "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."

Born in South Carolina, Young landed the starring role in The Famous Jett Jackson in 1998. Following that, the actor went on to appear in numerous projects, including Smallville (where he played DC Comics' Cyborg), the film version of Friday Night Lights, FlashForward and Scrubs.