Former child actor Evan Ellingson died at the age of 35 from an accidental fentanyl overdose.
Ellingson, who as a teen landed roles in “CSI: Miami,” “My Sister’s Keeper,” and “24,” among other hit productions, was found dead in a Fontana, California, bedroom on Nov. 5, the San Bernardino County Coroner confirmed earlier this month.
On Nov. 28, a spokesperson for San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department told NBC News that Ellingson died from an accidental fentanyl overdose. His family had previously alluded to his cause of death, saying in a statement at the time that he struggled with addiction and only recently relapsed.
“Our family is heartbroken by the sudden passing of our beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, Evan," Ellingson's family said in a Nov. 6 statement obtained by NBC News. "Evan was one of the most caring individuals who loved Jesus with all his heart. He had a sweet, child-like spirit with a smile that could light up a room. He was always thinking of others and wanted to use his own struggles with addiction to help people find hope.
“Evan was three years sober and often shared his journey of recovery through speaking engagements and ministry," the statement continued. "He was passionate about pointing individuals to resources for help and only recently relapsed after being prescribed opioids following a dental procedure.
“While in the end, he fell in his earthly battle with addiction, he was able to choose Jesus as his Lord and Savior and receive eternal life with Him. We already miss Evan and cherish every moment of joy, laughter and love that he brought to us and so many others."
Ellingson landed his first acting role in the 2001 TV movie “Living in Fear.” He booked roles on multiple shows, like “General Hospital,” “Mad TV” and “Bones,” his IMDB page recounts.
He also had a budding film career, appearing in the 2005 thriller “Confession” and 2002 sci-fi movie “Time Changer.”
In 2004, he had a starring role in the short-lived sitcom “Complete Savages.” He appeared in all 19 episodes of the comedy before it was canceled in 2005.
Years later, Ellingson had a 10-episode guest arc on the crime series “24” during its sixth season. He played Josh Bauer, the nephew of Kiefer Sutherland’s character, Jack Bauer. Around the same time, the child actor was cast in a recurring role on another popular crime drama: “CSI: Miami.” From 2007 to 2010, Ellingson portrayed Kyle Harmon in 18 episodes.
Ellingson had the opportunity to share the screen with Cameron Diaz, Alec Baldwin and Abigail Breslin in the 2009 family drama “My Sister’s Keeper,” his final film, according to IMDb.
His last acting credit was his final appearance in an episode of “CSI: Miami” in 2010.