Everybody Loves Raymond child star Sawyer Sweeten tragically died at the age of just 19, years after the sitcom wrapped.
Best known for playing Geoffrey Barone – the young son of Ray Romano’s character – on the show, Sawyer starred alongside his twin brother Sullivan and older sister Madylin.
He was only 16 months old when he started acting in 1996.
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Tragically, Sawyer shot himself in the head while visiting the home of a family member in Texas back in April 2015.
His manager Dino May confirmed the news, adding that there were no signs of trouble leading up to the incident.
(Image: Getty Images)
He said: “Everybody was shocked. There was no depression, no nothing. He was a good kid. Teenage stuff, but no depression, no signs or anything.”
However, Sawyer’s cousin Jacklyn Stines claimed the star was depressed, claiming: “I’ve heard he was depressed, but I don’t know what exactly about.
“There is a history of depression in the family, all through. Many of them are on medication for depression.”
An autopsy later confirmed that Sawyer had drugs in his system before he died.
Performed by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office, a toxicology report found Sawyer had marijuana or “cannabinoid” in his blood at the time of his death.
Tributes soon flooded in for the star, with his on-screen dad Ray Romano telling The Mirror: “I’m shocked, and terribly saddened, by the news about Sawyer.
(Image: FilmMagic)
“He was a wonderful and sweet kid to be around. Just a great energy whenever he was there. My heart breaks for him, his family, and his friends during this very difficult time.”
Sawyer’s sister Madylin shared a statement of her own, which read: “This morning a terrible tragedy occurred. We are devastated to report that our beloved brother, son, and friend took his own life. He was weeks away from his 20th birthday.
“At this sensitive time we beg of you to reach out to the ones you love.”
(Image: Paramount Channel)
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After Sawyer’s death, rumours began to swirl that mounting debts may have led to the actor taking his own life.
Though he was earning around $100,000 per episode, the National Enquirer claimed he was in “serious financial debt”, with the state of California filing a tax lien against him after a failed business endeavour.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
