Entertainment

Fans Mourn 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Star's Death

by Melissah Yang

Sudden news of Everybody Loves Raymond star Sawyer Sweeten's death caused fans and cast mates to pour out their condolences on Twitter. The passing left many stunned and in mourning. Sweeten, who starred in the hit sitcom with his twin brother Sullivan Sweeten as Ray Romano's on-screen sons Geoffrey and Michael, respectively, died at the age of 19 by apparent suicide, his family said in a statement.

Sister Madylin Sweeten, who also played Sweeten's older sister Ally on the show, said he took his own life just weeks away from his 20th birthday, according to a statement provided by manager Dino May.

This morning a terrible family tragedy has occurred. 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 and his brother were just a year and a half old when they starred in Everybody Loves Raymond. According to IMDB, Sweeten took on a couple minor guest roles following his nine-season stint on the show that made him a household face. Former cast mate Patricia Heaton, who played Sweeten's television mom Debra, tweeted her shock at the news.

Fans also came out in hordes to express their condolences to the Sweeten family and to honor the memory of the child star. Many fans called for more attention and resources to prevent teen depression and suicide.