Sawyer Sweeten, one of the twin actors who played Ray Romano's sons on the hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, has died, Variety reports. The former child star was 19.
Sweeten's manager, Dino May, confirmed reports that Sweeten died of a self-inflicted gunshot while in Texas.
"Sawyer was visiting family in Texas," a source told Radar, which first reported the news. "He went on the front porch and killed himself with a gunshot to his head. Sawyer’s entire family is absolutely devastated by this tragedy.”
The actor played Geoffrey Barone on the Emmy-winning comedy. His twin brother, Sullivan, and older sister, Madilyn, also appeared on the show as the Barone children.
Madilyn confirmed the news of her brother's passing on Facebook yesterday, writing, "At this time I would like to encourage everyone to reach out to the ones you love. Let them have no doubt of what they mean to you."
She later released a statement to the media on behalf of her family.
“This morning a terrible family tragedy has occurred,” she said. “We are devastated to report that our beloved brother, son, and friend, Sawyer Sweeten, took his own life. He was weeks away from his 20th birthday. At this sensitive time, our family requests privacy and we beg of you to reach out to the ones you love.”
Sweeten's former castmates have also expressed their sadness.
"He was a wonderful and sweet kid to be around," Ray Romano added in his own tribute. "Just a great energy whenever he was there. My heart breaks for him, his family, and his friends during this very difficult time."
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