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NEED TO KNOW
- The cause of death for RJ Mitte has been shared by his spokesperson
- Mitte died on Monday, Oct. 12, at age 34, his representative confirmed to PEOPLE
- He was remembered as a “beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate”
Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte died by suicide, his rep confirms to PEOPLE.
Mitte died on Monday, Oct. 12, at age 34.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” the actor’s rep previously said in a statement announcing his death.
The Brownsville Police Department told PEOPLE they received a call at 12:50 p.m. local time and found Mitte dead when officers arrived at his home. “The cause and manner of death are still pending, as there is currently an ongoing investigation,” the BPD said at the time.
A judge declared Mitte dead at 1:32 p.m. local time, PEOPLE can confirm. A medical examiner will determine his official manner of death following an autopsy. There did not appear to be any signs of foul play, the judge said.
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Mitte was best known for playing Walter “Flynn” White Jr. in all five seasons of Breaking Bad, and his representative remembered him for the “authenticity” he brought to the role as someone with cerebral palsy in a statement to PEOPLE.
The actor “built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion,” the representative continued. “Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s.”
Mitte also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, “supporting philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, while using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities.”
“At this time, we ask people to respect the privacy of RJ Mitte’s family and close ones,” the representative’s statement concluded.
The Mitte Cultural District remembered Mitte as a “beloved friend, and dedicated champion of the arts whose commitment to Brownsville will forever be part of our community’s story.”
“He was a friend, a partner, and someone who genuinely believed in the power of arts and culture to bring people together,” they continued.
Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad, shared a tribute honoring his costar on social media.
“I am heartbroken,” he wrote. “Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set. He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family.”
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman in the series, said that he was “at a loss” after hearing the news, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed,” Paul said. “And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.