Sylvester Stallone asks for compassion after son Sage's death

Sylvester Stallone arrives at the world premiere of his film "Daylight" with girlfriend Jennifer Flavin, center, and his son, Sage Stallone, in Hollywood, Calif., on Dec. 5, 1996.

/ AP

(CBS News) Sylvester Stallone is grieving the "agonizing loss" of his son Sage Stallone, who was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Friday at age 36.

The "Expendables 2" actor released a statement to TMZ on Monday in which he asks for compassion and respect for his son's memory.

Pictures: Sage Stallone
Sage Stallone autopsy complete, waiting on toxicology

"When a parent loses a child there is no greater pain," the statement said. "Therefore I am imploring people to respect my talented son's memory and feel compassion for his loving mother Sasha."

He added, "This agonizing loss will be felt for the rest of our lives. Sage was our first child and the center of our universe and I am humbly begging for all to have my son's memory and soul left in peace."

Stallone also asked for the "speculation and questionable reporting" about his son's death to stop, according to TMZ.

Sage Stallone, who appeared alongside his father in "Rocky V" (1990) and "Daylight" (1996), was Sylvester Stallone's oldest child, and the first of two sons he had with ex-wife Sasha Czack.

An autopsy was performed Sunday on Sage Stallone. Coroner's officials are awaiting the results of toxicology tests, which could take several weeks.

7 Photos

Sylvester Stallone's son dead at 36

[opedanderson2]

Every job has its bad sides. Being a movie star is no different. While I do fell for Sly and support his wish for the paps to back off, he must understand that all that fame and fortune comes at a price.

Unfortunately for him, he is now paying it.

P

[55minus5]

With fame and money, they price to pay is high as well, so the papparazzi cannot be avoided.
My deep condolences.

[TheKritik]

No compassion for drug junkies from me.There are miilions of ways to have a good time and none of them involves drugs.

[tamarabelle]

Obviously you have never watched a loved one battle an addiction; if you had that experience, you would have that compassion.

[td4398]

First, I don't remember reading anything about drugs being the cause since the toxicology results won't be available for weeks. And 2nd, even if it was drugs does that mean he deserved a death warrant? You're right about one thing, you have no compassion!

[beachgirl2365]

I can't even begin to fathom your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

[petesis]

Deepest sympathies to the Stallone family. It is a terrible thing for a father to lose a son. Condolences.

[ssporleder]

So sad that a grieving parent has to beg for the paparazzi and the media to leave them alone and respect their son.

But no, they have to scrape the bottom of the pond and look for something negative to report.

[Kayaking53]

God Bless your Son who has passed away. My Prayers are with you and Sasha and the rest of your Family. I Pray that no matter what the cause people leave you all alone. We lost our first son Robert Jr. at 13 months of age and I have never gotten over it. I am glad you all have had at least 36 years. :) God Bless

[55minus5]

May you have peace and relief from your grief.