Report: Martin Star Tommy Ford Dead at 52

Martinstar Tommy Ford has died at the age of 52.

His family confirmed the news on Instagram on Wednesday afternoon. "To all family and friends of Tommy Ford. We would like to inform everyone that our brother passed away today October 12, 2016 surrounded by his loving family," the message reads. "Please keep his family in your prayers as they go through this challenging time. He was so dearly loved by so many and for that lets all be grateful for a life well served.

Ford was hospitalized on Sunday after an aneurysm burst in his abdomen. Following a decline in health, the actor was put on life support on Wednesday, according to his wife. He was surrounded by family and friends when the family decided to take him off life-support machines.

The actor played Martin's (Martin Lawrence) best friend Tommy for all five seasons of the hit '90s sitcom. He went on to make appearances onNew York Undercover, The Jamie Foxx Show and The Parkers. Ford had several film projects in production for the rest of 2016, according to IMDB.

Lawrence tweeted for prayers for Ford and his family earlier on Wednesday.

When he wasn't acting, Ford was active in his community, giving speeches advocating for drug-free and violence-free lifestyles. He also wrote two children's books, I Am Responsible For Me! and Stop The Violence!