Rizzoli & Isles Star Lee Thompson Young Dead at 29

Serena Hope Hohenstein ‘17 / Emertainment Monthly Staff
Best known for his work as Jett Jackson on Disney Channel’s The Famous Jett Jackson, and Detective Barry Frost on TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles, Lee Thompson Young has died at the age of 29. He was found dead in his L.A. apartment early Monday morning from a fatal gunshot wound. The gunshot is supposed to have been self-inflicted, but no official cause of death has been announced. Young was found by the police after he failed to show up to set to shoot an episode of Rizzoli & Isles.
Young’s work on the TNT drama was wonderful for the past three and a half seasons. He provided the show with comic-relief especially when he would team up with Jordan Bridges’ Detective Frankie Rizzoli. The most memorable of their scenes is when the two dance to a hip-hop video related to a crime. Then, a newcomer to the precinct, a catholic nun who was a teacher of Jane and Frankie’s catches the two in the act.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ5RSrJ-9Eo&w=560&h=315] Whether getting sick at the sight of a dead body, or a superior mastership of technology, the quirks of the character, Detective Barry Frost, will be greatly missed by the fans of Rizzoli & Isles.
Gathering from the blooper reels, Lee Thompson Young was a fun man and loved his fellow castmates. At this point, it is unclear how Rizzoli & Isles will continue, as they are in the middle of shooting, but much like the aftermath of late Glee star, Cory Monteith, it will be a challenge to decide the character’s fate.
The cast of Rizzoli & Isles have not yet spoken about the death of their friend via social media or otherwise, but the creator/executive producer, Janet Tamaro, along with TNT and Warner Bros. TV has issued 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.”

All of us here at Emertainment Monthly would like to express our condolences and love to Young’s friends, family, castmates, and fans who will miss the presence of the young actor. Rest in Peace, Lee Thompson Young.
Hollywood mourns Young’s sudden passing: