Disney star Michael Galeota dies at 31
Michael Galeota, star of the Disney Channel TV show "The Jersey," has passed away at the age of 31.
The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office confirmed the former child actor's death; he reportedly went to the hospital and complained of stomach pains last week, according to TMZ. The Coroner's Office confirmed to E! that the actor, who was also in "Clubhouse Detectives," suffered from hypertension and high cholesterol.
Galeota allegedly left the hospital on Wednesday, Jan. 6, against doctors' advice. His friend later found him dead inside his Glendale, California, home after friends were unable to contact him.
Galeota was most well-known for his role as Nick Lighter in "The Jersey," which followed teenage boys who are in possession of a magic jersey. The show ran from 1999 to 2004 and featured a slew of celebrity athletes.
A family member set up a GoFundMe page to cover funeral costs for the actor, and wrote of Galeota, "He was a precious gift - loving, giving, compassionate, joyful and intelligent. A great inspiration for anyone that heard his genuine, humble, witty and joyful voice, or experienced his smile, laughter and love for just a moment. To know him was to love him."
The page has raised $18,000 toward its $25,000 goal.
