'Austin Powers' star Verne Troyer dead at 49

Sara M Moniuszko | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption 'Austin Powers' star Verne Troyer dies at 49 Verne Troyer, who is best known for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers franchise, has died

Verne Troyer, the actor best known for playing Mini Me in the Austin Powers movies, has died at 49, his family posted on Instagram Saturday.

A representative for Troyer, who was not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed his death to USA TODAY.

"It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today," the statement read.

The statement continued describing Troyer as an "extremely caring individual" who wanted to make everybody "smile, be happy and laugh."

The cause of death is still unknown, but the statement hints that it was due to "his own battles."

"Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles," the statement read. "Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much."

The statement continued: "During this recent time of adversity he was baptized while surrounded by his family. The family appreciates that they have this time to grieve privately. Depression and Suicide are very serious issues. You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. Be kind to one another. And always know, it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help."

The news come weeks after Troyer was hospitalized after an undisclosed medical emergency. However, TMZ and The Blast both reported that it was alcohol-related.

Troyer has been frank about his struggles with alcohol addiction, which was documented by VH1's The Surreal Life in 2005. His hospitalization came almost exactly a year after he told fans he was voluntarily checking into a rehab clinic.

The family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Verne's name to either of his two favorite charities; The Starkey Hearing Foundation and Best Buddies.