'Rizzoli & Isles' Shuts Down After Tragic Death

Lee Thompson Young's sudden death Monday shocked not only fans of the former Disney Channel star, but also cast members working alongside the young author. So it comes as little surprise that Rizzoli & Isles, the TNT drama that Young was acting on at the time of his death, is shutting down production following his passing.

According to Deadline, the producers behind Rizzoli & Isles are weighing whether or not to go on official hiatus to allow time for cast to grieve the death of Young, who was found in his apartment Monday morning after failing to report to set. (According to the actor's manager, Young died in an apparent suicide.) Said the series' executive producer in a statement:

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.

Young played police partner to Angie Harmon's character on the TNT series, which was renewed for a fifth season.

This is the second time in two months that the small screen lost a promising actor far too soon — in July, Glee was forced to delay its premiere after Cory Monteith died of a lethal overdose of alcohol and heroin.

Image: TNT