Story highlights Sawyer Sweeten played across from his twin brother and their sister as the children of Ray and Patricia Barone

Report: Sweeten was visiting family in Texas and is believed to have shot himself

(CNN) Sawyer Sweeten grew up before the eyes of millions as a child star on the endearing family sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond." Early Thursday he committed suicide, his sister Madylin Sweeten said in a statement.

He was 19.

"This morning a terrible family tragedy has occurred," Madylin Sweeten said in a statement passed on by her manager Dino May.

"We are devastated to report that our beloved brother, son, and friend, Sawyer Sweeten, took his own life. He was weeks away from his 20th birthday. At this sensitive time, our family requests privacy and we beg of you to reach out to the ones you love."

Sweeten, best known for his role Geoffrey Barone, was visiting family in Texas, entertainment industry magazine Hollywood Reporter reported , where he is believed to have shot himself on the front porch.

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