cast of everybody loves raymond
(L-R) The cast of "Everybody Loves Raymond," Monica Horan, Doris Roberts, Sawyer Sweeten, Ray Romano, Brad Garrett and Patricia Heaton accept their awards at the 8th Annual TV Land Awards in Los Angeles, California, April 17, 2010. Reuters/Gus Ruelas

Sawyer Sweeten, the child star on the popular CBS family sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond,” died in a suicide on Thursday morning, his sister, Madylin Sweeten, said in a statement. The 19-year-old reportedly killed himself with a gunshot to his head when he was in Texas to visit his family.

"This morning a terrible family tragedy has occurred," Madylin, who also played Sawyer’s sister on the show, reportedly said in a statement through her manager Dino May. "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."

She also wrote about her brother's untimely death on her Facebook account. “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,” she wrote.

Sawyer, who was popular for his role as Geoffrey Barone, was born in May 1995 in Brownwood, Texas. He began working in “Everybody Loves Raymond” when he was a year-and-a-half old. His twin brother, Sullivan, played Michael Barone, on the show.

Ray Romano, who played Sawyer’s father in the Emmy-winning sitcom, reportedly said he was "shocked and terribly saddened" by the news.

"He was a wonderful and sweet kid to be around," Romano said, in a statement to E! News. "Just a great energy whenever he was there. My heart breaks for him, his family and his friends during this very difficult time."

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