Rizzoli & Isles to Address Lee Thompson Young's Death in Season 5

Angie Harmon tweeted that the first two episodes of the TNT hit series' fifth season will "honor" her late co-star

By Tierney Bricker Mar 19, 2014 11:39 PMTags
Lee Thompson Young, Rizzoli and IslesTNT

Rizzoli & Isles is preparing to say goodbye to one of its own.

Following the tragic death of star Lee Thompson Young last August, the TNT hit series will address his passing in the beginning of the upcoming fifth season, according to star Angie Harmon.

"Hope you enjoyed @RizzoliIslesTNT season 4 finale," Harmon tweeted. "Season 5 eps 1&2 address our beloved Lee w/ love, honor & respect. Thank you @JanNash100."

During Rizzoli & Isles' season four finale, which aired on Tuesday, March 18, the cast and crew did not live-tweet the episode, with executive producer Jan Nash explaining, "Out of respect for our colleague Lee Thompson Young, the staff of R&I will not be live tweeting during tonight's episode."

Production on the TNT series was halted after Young, 29, committed suicide on Aug. 19.

With the series since the pilot, the episode that aired after his death was dedicated to Young with a memorial card that read, "In Loving Memory of Lee Thompson Young, 1984 - 2013." The card was then followed by silent footage of Young as Detective Barry Frost.

After Young's passing, the show's creator Janet Tamaro offered a touching statement on behalf of TNT and Warner Bros.

"Everyone at Rizzoli & Isles is devastated by the news of the passing of Lee Thompson Young," Tamaro said. "We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, gentle, good-hearted, intelligent man. He was truly a member of our family. Lee will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him, both on- and offscreen, for his positive energy, infectious smile and soulful grace. We send our deepest condolences and thoughts to his family, to his friends and, most especially, to his beloved mother."

Rizzoli & Isles' fifth season premieres on June 17 on TNT.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).