One of the twin boys from the sitcom 'Everybody Loves Raymond' has died, according to reports.

Sawyer Sweeten (19) - who played Ray Romano's on-screen son Geoffrey Barone - took his own life on Thursday morning while visiting family members in Brownwood, Texas.

His death was confirmed by his sister Madylin, who was also on the programme.

"At this time I would like to encourage everyone to reach out to the ones you love. Let them have no doubt of what they mean to you," she posted on Facebook.

Dozens of people used the page to offer their condolences.

Patricia Heaton, who played the twins' mother Debra in the show, tweeted: "Sawyer Sweeten was a funny and exceptionally bright young man. He is gone from us far too soon."

"The entire cast of #EverybodyLovesRaymond is in shock. Prayers for the Sweeten family."

Sawyer Sweeten's real-life twin brother Sullivan played the other twin as they appeared in 139 episodes of the show between 1996 and 2005.

He went on to have to few minor parts in films and TV but had not appeared in anything other than retrospectives since the end of 'Everybody Loves Raymond'.

Madylin Sweeten played the twins' older sister Ally.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans free on 116 123, or e-mail jo@samaritans.org