NYPD Blue star Austin Majors' cause of death was a fatal ingestion of fentanyl, according to reports.
The former child star is said to have been staying at a homeless shelter in Los Angeles where his body was discovered. He is thought to have sadly died on Saturday, February 11 at the age of 27.
An autopsy on Majors' body was completed yesterday, with the final toxicology results expected to be released in a few months.
Austin's heartbroken family issued a statement following his tragic death, paying tribute to the "loving, artistic, brilliant, and kind human being".
"Austin took great joy and pride in his acting career. He was an active Eagle Scout and graduated Salutatorian in High School.
"He went on to graduate from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts with a passion of directing and music producing," they told TMZ.
The statement continued: "Austin’s younger sister, Kali, says her fondest memories with Austin were growing up on set with him, volunteering at events with Kids With a Cause, and backpacking together.
"Austin was the kind of son, brother, grandson, and nephew that made us proud and we will miss him deeply forever."
Tributes have been pouring in for the star on Twitter, with one fan writing: "So incredibly sad, rest in peace."
Another said: "rip actor austin majors at the age of 27," while a third wrote: "Remembering Austin Majors, the talented child actor from 'NYPD Blue' who left us too soon at the age of 27. Rest in peace."
Austin received the 2002 Young Artists Award for Best Performance in a Television Series for his work on NYPD Blue. He was nominated for the same award in 2003 and 2004.
His work on Treasure Planet earned him another nomination for Best Performance in a Voice-Over Role.
According to his website, US actor Dennis Franz once said the youngster was "a joy to work with".
A message reads: "The fun of working with him is capturing those special moments, things that he would do spontaneously became some of our best material.
"He never has lost his enthusiasm to be on the set. He just loves coming to work.
"He thinks of this as his playground and all of us as his older playmates! It is Austin Majors Day when he is here, he runs the show.
"But when he hears his cue, he gets a twinkle in his eye and he is ready to work."
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