Sawyer Sweeten dead: Everybody Loves Raymond star kills himself aged 19

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A child actor who starred in US sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond has killed himself at the age of 19.

Sawyer Sweeten, who played Geoffrey Barone, started acting in the popular show at just 16 months old and continued until it ended its nine-year run in 2005.

He played the twin son of main characters Raymond and Debra Barone, alongside his real-life brother Sullivan Sweeten, who played Michael, and their sister, Madylin Sweeten, who played Ally.

Mr Sweeten is believed to have shot himself while visiting relatives in Texas on Thursday.

His family confirmed the news in a statement, calling it a "terrible family tragedy".

"We are devastated to report that our beloved brother, son, and friend, Sawyer Sweeten, took his own life," the statement said.

"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.”

The news sparked an outpouring of grief from the show’s fans and co-stars.

Mr Sweeten appeared in 139 episodes of the hit US sitcom and also took small parts in television shows Even Stevens and Frank McKlusky C.I alongside his brother in the early 2000s.

According to the IMDb database, he had not taken any more acting roles after Everybody Loves Raymond ended.

Writing on Facebook after her younger brother’s death, Ms Sweeten said: “At this time I would like to encourage everyone to reach out to the ones you love.

“Let them have no doubt of what they mean to you.”

Co-star Doris Roberts, who played Mr Sweeten’s grandmother on the show, said she heard news of his death with “great sadness”.

“He was a very sweet young man who will be dearly missed,” she wrote. “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.”

Patricia Heaton, who played his on-screen mother, called him a “funny and exceptionally bright young man,” adding: “He is gone from us far too soon.”