Verne Troyer Passes Away At 49

Verne Troyer has died.

TMZ reports that the actor, who's best known for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers movie franchise, passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2018. Troyer, who'd also starred in movies like Bubble Boy and The Love Guru, was 49 years old. At the time of this writing, a cause of death has not yet been released.

A statement shared on his Facebook page announced the news. "It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today," the post read in part. "Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh."

Referencing Troyer's 2-foot-8 frame — he was born with achondroplasia dwarfism — the message continued, "Even though his stature was small and his parents often wondered if he'd be able to reach up and open doors on his own in his life, he went on to open more doors for himself and others than anyone could have imagined. He also touched more peoples hearts than he will ever know."

The statement also made note of Troyer's personal battles, which included depression, noting that Verne was "a fighter" but that "unfortunately this time was too much." The post went on, "Depression and Suicide are very serious issues. You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. Be kind to one another. And always know, it's never too late to reach out to someone for help."

Before his passing, Troyer was reportedly "baptized while surrounded by his family."

As Nicki Swift previously reported, Troyer was hospitalized for possible alcohol poisoning on April 2, 2018, after cops were called to his Los Angeles home following his alleged drunk and suicidal behavior. He'd previously been hospitalized a year earlier for alcohol addiction, after which he'd checked into rehab. Verne, who'd been in and out of multiple rehab centers throughout his life, reportedly nearly died of alcohol poisoning in 2002, after he and his then-wife Genevieve Gallen ended their marriage (via Entertainment Tonight).

Troyer's family has asked for donations to the charities The Starkey Hearing Foundation and Best Buddies in lieu of flowers.

Our thoughts are with Troyer's loved ones during this difficult time.