Sawyer Sweeten, who was most famous for his role on the hit show ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’, has died aged 19.

The teen died in an apparent suicide, with his older sister Madylin confirming the news that he had ‘taken his own life’.

Releasing a statement, Madylin said: “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.”

Sawyer played Geoffrey Barone alongside his twin brother Sullivan and sister Madylin on the American sitcom.

Sawyer Sweeten was a funny and exceptionally bright young man. He is gone from us far too soon.

— Patricia Heaton (@PatriciaHeaton) April 24, 2015

Tributes have already started pouring in for the former actor, with his ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ co-stars paying their respects online.

Patricia Heaton, who played Debra Barone, tweeted Friday (24 April), “Sawyer Sweeten was a funny and exceptionally bright young man. He is gone from us far too soon.”

Doris Roberts, who appeared as Marie Barone on the show, took to Facebook to share a sweet image of the cast and wrote: “It is with great sadness that I learned the news that Sawyer Sweeten, who played my grandsonGeoffrey Barone on 'Everybody Loves Raymond,' died at his family's home in Texas.

It is with great sadness that I learned the news that Sawyer Sweeten, who played my grandson Geoffrey Barone on '...

Posted by Doris Roberts on Thursday, 23 April 2015

“He was a very sweet young man who will be dearly missed. Make sure your loved ones know how much you care about them, and please check in with them if you haven't touched base with them for a while. It's very important to keep in touch.”

For confidential support on suicide matters in the UK, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.