'Friday Night Lights' Lee Thompson Young Dead at 29
by EG
Actor Lee Thompson Young, 29, who had appeared in the film "Friday Night Lights" and the Disney Channel's "The Famous Jett Jackson," was found dead Monday morning from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Young, a native of Columbia, South Carolina, got his first big acting role as the title character in "The Famous Jett Jackson," which ran on the Disney Channel from 1999 to 2001.
Following that gig, Young appeared on-screen in the 2004 film "Friday Night Lights," in which he played running back Chris Comer. Young was currently starring in the TNT police drama "Rizzoli & Isles." He had also had roles in several other films and TV series, including "South Beach," "Smallville," "Scrubs" and "Akeelah and the Bee."
TMZ reports that Young's body was discovered by his landlord who was checking on him after he failed to show up for work on the set of "Rizzoli & Isles."
In a statement, Young's publicist confirmed that Young's death was a suicide.
"It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning," the statement said. "Lee was more than just a brilliant young actor, he was a wonderful and gentle soul who will be truly missed."