Lee Thompson Young, Disney Star: Suicide Prevention for Teens

Who Was Lee Thompson Young?

Lee Thompson Young was an actor and former Disney star. He played the title character in The Famous Jett Jackson, Chris Comer in the movie Friday Night Lights, and Detective Barry Frost on TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles for four seasons.

What Happened to Lee Thompson Young?

Lee Thompson Young tragically died by suicide at age 29. Despite a successful career and grounded personality, Young struggled with depression. His story highlights that suicidal behavior can affect anyone, including those who appear happy or successful.

What Made Lee Thompson Young Stand Out From Other Young Stars?

Unlike other stars who passed too soon, Young’s death had nothing to do with drugs, alcohol, or substance abuse. There is no overdose to report and no reckless lifestyle that resulted in his untimely end. Those close to him report that Young struggled with depression and that this and other factors may have been an influential part of his final decision.

What Kind of Person Was Lee Thompson Young?

Young was described by a source to E! Magazine as “gentle and unassuming.” He wasn’t typical compared to his peers in Hollywood despite his early success in the industry. Another source told the magazine, “He was the opposite. Lee loved to travel and was always the first to tell everyone to take a breath and enjoy the beauty of life.”

Why Would Someone So Grounded Make Such a Devastating Decision?

Most are still confused, but some wonder whether or not it had something to do with his recent conversion to an Africa-based religion called Yorùbá. Those who believe that his intense passion for his religion—as denoted by the constant wearing of white prior to his death and a recent trip to an African village, both reportedly decisions made in connection to his religion—may have influenced his decision, pointing to a saying in the religion, iku ya j’esin. This means “Death is preferable to ignominy.”

Did His Faith Play a Role in His Death?

However, the National Mirror reports that Araba Ifayemi Osundagbonu Elebuibon, a chief priest of Osogbo and a religious icon in Yorùbá, says that the practice of suicide is not supported by the religion and that, in fact, its practice is believed to be a punishable offense in the afterlife.

Sharing stories like Young’s educates families and communities about risk factors and prevention strategies. Organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Trevor Project provide education, advocacy, and crisis intervention. Increased awareness helps young people access resources and encourages early intervention.

“When you call Muir Wood, you will either reach me or one of my staff. Please know that we are fully committed to helping you find the right treatment for your teen and will hold your hand through the entire process. And if we aren’t an ideal fit for your child, we’ll help you find a program that is.”

— Maura “Mo” Sangster, Director of Admissions

Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people—yet it is often preventable when families understand the warning signs and risk factors.

What Are Key Protective Factors for Teens?

Protective factors include strong family connections, positive peer relationships, engagement in school or extracurricular activities, and access to mental healthcare. Encouraging open dialogue and emotional expression builds resilience against suicidal ideation.

How Can Family Members Strengthen Their Teens’ Protective Factors?

Caregivers can model empathy, maintain regular communication, and validate feelings without judgment. Creating a safe space at home where teens can express their struggles reduces isolation and fosters trust.

Why Is Access to Evidence-Based Care Important?

When a teen is experiencing depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, the right care at the right time can change everything. Evidence-based treatment offers more than symptom relief—it provides structured, clinically proven approaches that reduce risk, support stabilization, and lay the groundwork for lasting healing.

At Muir Wood Teen Treatment, residential care brings these approaches into a consistent, immersive setting where every moment becomes part of the therapeutic process. Our integrated clinical team—including board-certified psychiatrists, licensed therapists, and dedicated recovery counselors—uses evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT-informed skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance, and trauma-responsive care to address the underlying experiences that often drive suicidal ideation, self-harm, and emotional dysregulation.

“The most important element of effective treatment is the relationship we develop with our clients.”

— Dr. Ian Wolds, PsyD, Chief Clinical Officer

We also recognize that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Family therapy is woven into every stage of treatment, equipping parents and caregivers with the understanding and tools to support their teen’s progress during treatment and beyond. This whole-family approach strengthens communication, rebuilds trust, and creates a foundation for sustained recovery after discharge.

Connect, Communicate, and Care are the three C’s of suicide prevention—and they emphasize compassion and proactive support.

What Should I Do If My Teen Expresses Suicidal Thoughts?

If your teen mentions suicidal thoughts, act immediately by seeking professional help or contacting a crisis hotline. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the Trevor Project provide confidential, 24/7 support for adolescents and young adults.

How Can Hotlines and Text Lines Help Teens?

Hotlines and text-based resources offer immediate crisis intervention and emotional support. Teens can discuss suicidal thoughts confidentially and connect with trained counselors who guide safety planning and next steps.

What Are Practical Steps for Parents During a Crisis?

Stay calm, remove immediate means of self-harm, and contact professionals for assessment. Maintaining physical and emotional safety while engaging with trained providers ensures teens receive timely and appropriate care.

How Can Parents Create a Safety Plan With Their Teen?

Start by identifying trusted adults your teen can contact, such as family members, school counselors, or mental health providers. Encourage your teen to list coping strategies that work for them—listening to music, journaling, or physical activity. Together, decide on steps to take if suicidal thoughts arise, such as contacting a hotline or reaching out to a trusted friend. Involving teens in this process promotes autonomy, reduces feelings of isolation, and reinforces that they have a support network ready to help them navigate difficult emotions.