'Coach Carter' Star In Coma Following Bout With 'Virulent Form' Of Meningitis

"Coach Carter" star Denise Dowse is reportedly in a coma following a case of meningitis.

The 64-year-old actress' sister, Tracey, confirmed the news via a statement posted to Dowse's Instagram account Sunday.

"[Denise] is currently in the hospital in a coma brought on by a virulent form of meningitis. Her doctors do not know when she will come out of the coma as it was not medically induced," Tracey wrote.

She added that though she considers herself "a private person," she was looking for support and prayers for her sister and "only immediate family."

"As many of you have seen, my posts have been positive and uplifting. I am trying to keep my spirits up and support those who need it. As many of you know, I am a private person. So this is hard for me," she wrote.

Meningitis is an inflammation or swelling of the protective membranes that are covering the brain and spinal cord, according to the CDC. The swelling is caused by either a bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Despite her sister's life-threatening condition, Tracey wrote that she believes Dowse is "a vibrant actor and director that should have many years ahead of her."

Friends, fans and Hollywood personalities left comments expressing support and sending prayers to Dowse and her family, including "Fame" star Erica Gimpel and "Black-ish" actress Tracee Ellis Ross.

Gimpel, 58, wrote in the comments section of the post, "Sending strong prayers your dear sister Denise, who is also an incredible artist, who has inspired me by her incredible work on stage... her love of the work emanates through her pours.. and such a dear person. I hope you and Denise can feel all the love, prayers, and support that are surrounding you! Peace."

"May the universe send all it can muster and then more to heal. Sending prayers and love and more love to this force of a woman who has poured so much love into so many," Ross, 49, commented.

On Tuesday, Tracey exclusively spoke to TMZ to give an update on her sister and said that Dowse's condition remains the same.

Dowse is known for her roles in the teen drama "Beverly Hills, 90210," in which she starred as Yvonne Teasley, the vice principal of Beverly Hills High School, and in the sitcom "California Dreams," where she also played a recurring role as a vice principal.

Recently, Dowse ventured into the production scene and made her directorial debut with the film "Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story," an upcoming biopic that tackles the life and career of the singer, including her efforts in supporting the Civil Rights Movement and friendship with Martin Luther King Jr.