Disney Channel star Cameron Boyce dies in his sleep aged 20
The young actor was best known for starring in the musical Descendants, as well as comedy film Grown Ups with Adam Sandler.
Monday 8 July 2019 10:19, UK
Disney Channel star Cameron Boyce has died in his sleep at the age of just 20, his family have said.
The young actor appeared in horror film Mirrors, espionage thriller Eagle Eye and Adam Sandler comedy Grown Ups before becoming a Disney favourite in the made-for-TV musical Descendants and series Jessie.
He passed away due to "an ongoing medical condition".
In a statement to ABC News on Saturday night, his family said: "It is with a profoundly heavy heart that we report that this morning we lost Cameron. He passed away in his sleep due to a seizure which was a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated.
"The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him.
"We are utterly heartbroken and ask for privacy during this immensely difficult time as we grieve the loss of our precious son and brother."
Boyce, from Los Angeles, was only nine-years-old when he made his acting debut in Mirrors in 2008, and Grown Ups two years later was considered his breakout role.
He appeared in a sequel to Grown Ups in 2013, by which time he had begun starring in the Disney Channel comedy series Jessie, which won two BAFTA awards in the children's television category.
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In 2015 he played Carlos, the son of classic Disney villain Cruella de Vil, in Descendants - and he reprised the character for a sequel in 2017.
Both films were helmed by High School Musical director Kenny Ortega, who posted this tribute on Instagram: "Cameron, you left a big piece of your heart for those of us who knew and loved you in this life and you left with a big piece of our hearts today. We will continue to carry your loving spirit forward. You are our forever boy."
Away from acting, Boyce had also taken part in significant charity work, including raising more than $27,000 (£21,562) for the Thirst Project, which helps bring clean water to underdeveloped countries.
Disney Channel said Boyce had "extraordinary artistic talents" and was "fuelled by a strong desire to make a difference in peoples' lives through his humanitarian work".