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Famous Jett Jackson, Rizzoli & Isles Star Lee Thompson Young Dead at 29

Lee Thompson Young, who played the title character on Disney's The Famous Jett Jackson and currently stars on TNT's Rizzoli & Isles, has died at age 29, TMZreports. Authorities believe the cause of death is suicide.

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Liz Raftery

Lee Thompson Young, who played the title character on Disney's The Famous Jett Jackson and currently stars on TNT's Rizzoli & Isles, has died at age 29, TMZreports. Authorities believe the cause of death is suicide.

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Young's body was found by his landlord with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to TMZ. The actor was currently starring as Barry Frost on Rizzoli & Isles. Members of the show's staff became concerned when Young didn't show up for work Monday morning, and called his landlord to check up on him, TMZ reports.

"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 Monday afternoon. "We are broken-hearted. #RIPLeeThompsonYoung"

Tamaro later released a joint statement with Warner Bros. and TNT that reads, "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."

Born in Columbia, S.C., Young landed the lead role in The Famous Jett Jackson in 1998. His subsequent TV credits included roles on ScrubsFlashForward andSmallville, as well as the Friday Night Lights movie.