Sawyer Sweeten dead: Ray Romano leads tributes to Everybody Loves Raymond co-star who killed himself aged 19

Sawyer died at his family home in Texas on Thursday morning

Ray Romano with Sawyer Sweeten and the cast of Everybody Loves Raymond in 1996

Ray Romano is leading tributes to his Everybody Loves Raymond co-star Sawyer Sweeten, who has tragically killed himself aged just 19.

The US actor and comedian was the star of the hit running sitcom, which ran from 1996 to 2005, meaning he worked with Sweeten for nine years.

"He was a wonderful and sweet kid to be around, just a great energy whenever he was there" Romano said, adding that he was "shocked and terribly saddened".

"My heart breaks for him, his family and his friends during this very difficult time."

Former co-stars and fans alike have taken to Twitter in droves to express their sadness at the news, announced by Sawyer's sister Madylin, who played Ally alongside him on the show.

"This morning a terrible tragedy occurred," she confirmed in a statement sent by Sawyer's manager. "We are devastated to report that our beloved brother, son and friend took his own life. He was weeks away from his 20th birthday."

Soon afterwards, Madylin posted a message on her Facebook page, encouraging her followers to "reach out to the ones you love" and "let them have no doubt of what they mean to you".

Sawyer began acting as Geoffrey in Everybody Loves Raymond aged just 16 months and grew up on the series.

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

Sawyer is believed to have shot himself on his relatives' front porch in Texas on Thursday morning.

Patricia Heaton, who played Debra, tweeted that the entire cast is in shock and offered "prayers for the Sweeten family".

Fellow child star Lacey Chabert also sent her condolences on the social network following the "heartbreaking news".

Many viewers of the Emmy-winning series, including some celebrity fans, are also in shock at his untimely death.

The Sweeten family has requested privacy at this sad time.