Michael Galeota: Former Disney child star, 31, found dead in LA apartment

Michael was found dead on Sunday

A former child star who appeared on the Disney Channel in the 90s has died in Los Angeles, according to a statement from his family. He was 31-years-old.

Michael Galeota is most widely known for his role as Nick Lighter in the Disney series The Jersey. He also had roles in ER and Ally McBeal as a teenager, appearing on screen for the final time in The Nightmare Room.

Galeota died peacefully at his home on 10 January, according to a statement from his family on a Go Fund Me Page set up to pay for his funeral. The cause of death has not yet been officially established, although the Los Angeles County Coroner's office reportedly told E!News Galeota suffered from a number of health problems. These included stomach pain, hypertension and high cholesterol.

Galeota visited a hospital with stomach pains on Wednesday and was found by a friend in his LA apartment on Sunday, according to a report by TMZ. An autopsy is due to take place.

One post under the name Lev L. Spiro, a producer and director who has worked on programmes such as Modern Family, paid tribute to Galeota as a “good soul” and donated $250.

“I directed the pilot and first couple episodes of The Jersey,” they wrote. “Mike was a bright, funny nice guy. A good soul. I'm very sorry for your loss.”

Five thousand dollars has also been donated by ‘Shia L’, but it has not been confirmed if this is Shia LaBeouf. More than $17,000 has already been donated to the fund.

“He was a precious gift – loving, giving, compassionate, joyful and intelligent," his family said in a statement. "A great inspiration for anyone that heard his genuine, humble, witty and joyful voice, or experienced his smile, laughter and love for just a moment. To know him was to love him.

“His humble nature hid a great compassionate and loving human being, with a huge heart. He cared profoundly for his family and friends. Mike was a great giver, always ready and able to care for others.”