Michael Galeota, a child star whose last acting appearance was in the Disney show 'The Jersey', has passed away in his home unexpectedly at the age of just 31. No misadventure has been reported, and it wasn't thought that the actor had been suffering from any long-term illness, though he did have a history of health issues.

The actor, who played the character Nick Lighter as a child in the family sport series, was found unresponsive in his Glendale home by local police early on Sunday afternoon (January 10th 2016); a date of death that he coincidentally shares with one of the biggest music icons in the world, David Bowie. TMZ reported that his body was first discovered by a friend who was forced to enter his apartment through a window when he failed to communicate with Galeota.

Early indications seem to suggest that the star died of natural causes, though throughout his young life he had been struggling to control his blood pressure and cholesterol, and frequently suffered from stomach pains according to Lt. Fred Corral of the LA County coroner's office; TMZ reported that his pain was caused by diverticulitis, which is an inflammation of the digestive tract. He did visit the hospital for the pains before his death, but discharged himself despite doctor's advice to stay put. Autopsy results are yet to hit the press

As well as 'The Jersey', Galeota also appeared in the TV movie of the series 'Magic Jersey' which aired before the series began, as well as an episode of 'The Nightmare Room', comedy drama 'Can't Be Heaven' which also starred Michelle Trachtenberg, and the comedy series 'Bailey Kipper's P.O.V.' in 1996. 

His brother and once co-star Jimmy Galeota has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for a burial for Michael, and so far he has raised $17,860 of $25k in just 23 hours. 'He was a precious gift - loving, giving, compassionate, joyful and intelligent', Jimmy wrote. '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.'

Tributes are pouring in on Twitter, with Drake Bell from 'Drake & Josh' sharing the GoFundMe link with a plea to his fans to donate what they can.

Click here to donate to Jimmy Galeota's GoFundMe page for Mike