The "Rizzoli & Isles" cast are mourning a death in the family.
Actor Lee Thompson Young, who has been a series regular on the TNT series since 2010, was found dead in his North Hollywood apartment Monday, from an apparent suicide.
According to Deadline, "Rizzoli & Isles" shut down production on Season 5 following Young's death. The show could go on a hiatus to allow the cast and crew to grieve," according to The Wrap, it remains unclear how long the series, which stars Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, will be shut down.
"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," a joint statement on Facebook on behalf of TNT, Warner Bros. and executive producer Janet Tamaro read. "He was truly a member of our family. Lee will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him, both on- and off-screen, 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."
In the TNT series, Young played fledgling police Detective Barry Frost, who's computer savvy but "squeamish." The news of Young's death comes after the channel announced it was renewing the series.
According to E! News, police discovered the 29-year-old body after coworkers notified authorities that the actor failed to show up for work Monday morning. Young's manager confirmed the actor had committed suicide and purportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
"It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning," manager Jonathan Baruch said in a statement, according to E! News. "Lee was more than just a brilliant young actor, he was a wonderful and gentle soul who will be truly missed. We ask that you please respect the privacy of his family and friends at this very difficult time."
Authorities have yet to release the official cause of death. 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.
In 1998, Young began starring in "The Famous Jett Jackson," playing a TV action hero who returns to his roots for a less high-profile life. The series ran until 2001.
"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," a Disney Channel spokesperson said in an email statement.
Young followed 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."
"I'm the youngest member of the cast, so I really take advantage of the wealth of knowledge that I find myself surrounded by," Young said in a 2011 interview with the website Rolling Out, according to the Christian Science Monitor.
Unbearably sad. We love who you were, and that's what we'll remember. #RIPLeeThompsonYoung
— janet tamaro (@JanetTamaro) August 20, 2013