TwitterThe Mickey Mouse Club is mourning the loss of a member.
E! News has confirmed that Marque "Tate" Lynche, who appeared on the Disney variety show alongside future superstars Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Ryan Gosling, has died. He was 34 years old.
The New York Police Department tells us that they responded to a call at Lynche's apartment on Sunday evening, and found the actor unresponsive. Emergency Medical Services was called to the scene and pronounced him deceased. The investigation is ongoing and the NYPD is waiting on the medical examiner to determine cause of death.
"It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to one of our family," a Mickey Mouse Club group called "Always in the Club" tells E! News in a statement.
"Our 'Always In The Club' brother, Marque Tate Lynche, passed away this weekend. We are absolutely devastated by this tragic news. Our prayers and condolences go out to his brother Michael Lynche, his entire family and all of his friends. RIP sweet soul, you will be greatly missed."
Lynche was a Mousketeer from 1993 to 1995. In 2004, he went on to compete in the third season of American Idol and became one of the 32 finalists, but ultimately, the title went to Fantasia Barrino. Lynche also appeared on Broadway in The Lion King as Simba in 2000 and joined the cast of Fame on 42nd Street in 2004.
—Reporting by Holly Passalaqua and Senta Scarborough