Austin Majors, who played Theo Sipowicz, the son of Detective Andy Sipowicz on ABC’s NYPD Blue, was discovered dead. Majors died Saturday night, according to TMZ, and the cause of death was a deadly overdose of fentanyl. According to reports, Major was sleeping at a homeless shelter in Los Angeles at the time of his death.
The autopsy’s full results have yet to be released. Major was 27 years old at the time.
Major’s bereaved family published a statement in which they paid respect to him, calling him as a “loving, artistic, smart, and kind human being.”
“Austin took enormous excitement and pride in his performing career,” the statement continued. “He was an avid Eagle Scout and a high school Salutatorian,” according to the statement. “He went on to graduate from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts with a flair for directing and music production.
“Austin’s younger sister, Kali, says her favorite memories of him are growing up on set with him, helping at events with Kids With a Cause, and trekking together.
“Austin was the type of son, brother, grandson, and nephew who made us proud, and we shall miss him dearly for the rest of our lives.”
Major received the Young Artist Award in 2002 for finest performance in a TV series (comedy or drama) by a young actor aged ten or less.
Dennis Franz, who played Major’s TV father, said in a statement that working with the young actor was a pleasure.
“He’s never lost his zest for being on set,” Franz wrote. “He simply enjoys coming to work. He considers this to be his playground, and we are all his elder playmates! When Austin Majors is here, it is Austin Majors Day, and he runs the show. But as soon as he hears his cue, he has a glint in his eye and is ready to go.”
Majors has appeared in several television episodes, including ER, According to Jim, and Desperate Housewives. His most recent television appearance is thought to have been on How I Met Your Mother in 2009.
For seven seasons, he played the part of Theo Sipowicz on NYPD Blue.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the bereaved family.
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