Actor Lee Thompson Young was found with self-inflicted gunshot wound
Lee Thompson Young, the man who is a memory in many people’s childhood, was found dead Tuesday, August 19 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The 29-year-old actor was most notable for his role in The Famous Jett Jackson, which aired on the Disney channel from 1998 to 2011.
The discovery was made Tuesday when Lee Thompson Young didn’t make it to the set of the current drama he appears on called Rizzoli & Isles, and his landlord decided to check up on him. Officers pronounced him dead when they arrived on the scene on the 5000 block of Tujunga Avenue in North Hollywood, California.
Shortly after, Lee Thompson Young’s manager released a statement expressing his condolences. “It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning.”
Lee’s passion for acting began at age 10 when he played Dr. Martin Luther King in a play called “A Night of Stars and Dreams”. After moving to New York to pursue his dreams, Lee Thompson Young hired an agent and ultimately tried out for the part in The Famous Jett Jackson, which got picked up by Disney. Young went on in to make a multitude of screen appearances including, Akeelah and the Bee,Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, The Hills Have Eyes 2 and more recently his reoccurring role on the TNT drama Rizzoli & Isles as Detective Barry Frost.
Production on Rizzoli & Isles has actually been shut down due to this tragic situation and they are trying to figure out whether or not they want to go further or go on hiatus while Lee Thompson Young’s fellow coworkers cope with his unexpected death.
Although no one saw this horrible result coming, sources close to Lee Thompson Young note signs of depression that were recently becoming more apparent. Young was also a devoted member of ancient Yorùbá religious practices, with Yorùbá referring to the West African Tribe, which is made up of multiple faiths.
Many people will miss Lee Thompson Young, but he will forever be remembered for his hard work as an actor.“Lee was more than just a brilliant 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,” said his agent.
