Michael Galeota Dies; Disney Channel Star Was 31

Michael Galeota – the actor best known for his starring role on the Disney Channel series The Jersey – has passed away at the age of 31.

The cause of death is not known at this time.

Galeota had reportedly been suffering from hypertension, high cholesterol and diverticulitis at the time of his untimely passing.

Authorities reportedly believe the former actor died from "natural causes," so it’s not clear what role any of those conditions played.

According to TMZ, neither foul play nor drug abuse is thought to have played a role in Galeota’s passing, however.

Friends say he had a history of failing to follow through with medical advice.

Though best known for his performance on The Jersey, which ran for three seasons from 1999-2004, Galeota appeared in dozens of projects during his adolescent years.

Galeota’s resume includes small parts in several films, as well as TV.

He landed a recurring spot on Ally McBeal as the younger version of Gil Bellows’ character, and a performance on ER at the height of the medical drama’s popularity, among other roles.

While he unfortunately joined the ranks of child stars whose careers faltered when they reached adulthood, Galeota remained a popular and well-liked figure amongst SoCal actors.

When friends were unable to reach him over the weekend, one of them decided to climb through the window of Galeota’s Glendale home, where his body was found.

R.I.P.

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