Disney Star Michael Galeota Found Dead At 31 After Suffering Stomach Pains

Michael Galeota, who starred on the Disney Channel show The Jersey, has died. He was 31.

Michael Galeota Dies

Galeota was found dead on the floor of his living room in his Glendale, Calif., home on Sunday by a friend who had grown concerned after failing to get in touch with the former actor over the weekend, reported TMZ.

A week prior to his death, Galeota had admitted himself into the hospital complaining of abdominal pains. On Wednesday, Galeota had checked himself out of the hospital against doctor’s advice.

Galeota was known to have a history of both hypertension and high cholesterol, and also suffered from a condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, known as diverticulitis. Galeota was apparently not following medical advice in looking after his conditions, sources told TMZ.

Though an autopsy is still pending, Galeota’s death has been deemed a result of “natural causes.”

Galeota is best known for playing Nick Lighting on The Jersey from 1999-2004. He got his start on TV in The Baby-Sitters Club, and went on to guest star on ER and Ally McBeal, and play the lead on Bailey Kipper’s P.O.V. He also appeared in features Bushwacked, Clubhouse Detectives and Can’t Be Heaven.