Ray Romano Remembers Sawyer Sweeten After Death: He Was ‘Wonderful’

We’re so devastated over the news that ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ star Sawyer Sweeten took his life. Now, the star of the hit sitcom, Ray Romano, is breaking his silence about the tragedy.

Ray Romano, 57, has spoken out about the tragic death of his 19-year-old Everybody Loves Raymond co-star, Sawyer Sweeten. Read his emotional tribute to the young actor, who he worked with on the show for nine years.

Sawyer Sweeten Dies: Ray Romano Gives Emotional Tribute

“He was a wonderful and sweet kid to be around,” Ray said, noting he was “shocked and terribly saddened” by the news that Sawyer had committed suicide. “Just a great energy whenever he was there. My heart breaks for him, his family and his friends during this very difficult time.

Sawyer tragically took his own life while visiting family in Texas, his sister Madilyn confirmed on April 23.

“This morning a terrible family tragedy has occurred,” she said in a statement. “We are devastated to report that our beloved brother, son and friend, Sawyer Sweeten, took his own life. He was weeks away from his 20th birthday. At this sensitive time, our family request privacy and we beg of you to reach out to the ones you love.”

Sawyer began his role as Geoffery Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond when he was just 16 months old. His real-life twin brother, Sullivan, played his twin brother, Michael, on the show, while Madilyn portrayed their older sister, Ally.

Sawyer Sweeten: ‘Raymond’ Mom Patricia Heaton Speaks Out On Tragic Death

Patricia Heaton, who played Sawyer’s mother on the show, paid her own tribute to the 19-year-old, as well.

“Sawyer Sweeten was a funny and exceptionally bright young man. He is gone from us far too soon,” she wrote on Twitter. “The entire cast of #EverybodyLovesRaymond is in shock. Prayers for the Sweeten family.”

Our thoughts are with Sawyer’s family during this difficult time.

— Alyssa Norwin