NCIS and NYPD Blue actor Austin Majors has sadly passed away at the age of 27.
It has been reported that the former child star died on Saturday night while staying at a homeless center in Los Angeles.
According to medical examiner records, the cause of death is still under investigation.
In a statement, his family called Austin "an artistic, brilliant, and kind human being".
"Austin took great joy and pride in his acting career. From the time he was little, he never knew a stranger and his goal in life was to make people happy," the statement continued.
"He grew up in a small town where he loved camping and fishing with his family and Boy Scout Troop. He loved his dog, Sunny, and the horse he grew up riding, Balla."
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The statement also detailed his sister Kali's fondest memories with her brother, which included "growing up on set with him, volunteering at events with Kids With a Cause, and backpacking together".
© Photo: RexAustin has passed away at the age of 27
"Austin was the kind of son, brother, grandson, and nephew that made us proud and we will miss him deeply forever."
Austin, who graduated from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, was perhaps best known for playing Theo Sipowicz on ABC's police procedural drama NYPD Blue, but also made an appearance in season three of NCIS, portraying Jeremy Hodges.
In this poignant video, a seven-year-old Austin tells a reporter why he got into acting.
WATCH: Austin Major reveals why he became an actor
The actor went on to land minor roles in several major TV shows, including ER, American Dad and Desperate Housewives.
© Photo: Getty ImagesAustin played Theo on NYPD Blue
His last professional credit was a guest-starring role on CBS's How I Met Your Mother in a season four episode that aired in 2009, playing 12-year-old Matthew.
In addition to his TV roles, Austin also worked in film and featured in several movies including An Accidental Christmas, Treasure Planet, The Price of Air and Nevada.
Kali also marked her brother's death on Facebook, writing: "My big brother, Austin, is gone. He died last night. It’s so surreal to me still. He was only 27 with so much life left to live."
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