Disney Channel Child Star Michael Galeota Found Dead at Home
Michael Galeota, former Disney child star, was found dead in his apartment's living room on Jan. 10. He was found lifeless by his friend who forced open the door of his home since he did not respond when called. He was 31.
The friend went to check on him if Galeota was alright because they did not hear from him during the weekend. But he was shocked to see Galeota lying on the living room floor after breaking the window to get inside the apartment in Glendale, Calif.
The sad news was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Coroner's office to E! News.
The office said that it seems that the cause of his death was natural since he has been suffering from several health issues such as hypertension, abdominal pain and high cholesterol. The abdominal pain might have been a symptom to his diverticulitis, or the inflammation of the digestive tract.
Then again, the coroner stated that they still have to complete the examination in order to pinpoint the main reason for his demise.
"At this time we are not certain as to the cause of death ... and more details will be released later once my family is ready," Jimmy Galeota, actor and Michael's brother, told USA TODAY.
It was learned that before Michael passed, he complained of pain in his abdominal area and was confined to a hospital last week. However, he went against the doctor's order to stay a few more days and went home on Wednesday. He did not follow medical advice and this may have contributed to his sudden death, TMZ has learned.
With his untimely passing, the Disney star's family was not financially ready so they created a GoFundMe page for him. The family's goal was to raise $25,000 for his funeral and 12 hours later, the fund is already at $16,000.
"It is with tremendous heartfelt sadness to announce the passing of Michael James Galeota on January 10th. He died peacefully at home. Please help us to provide a burial that is worthy of a GIVER," the family wrote on the fund raising site.
They also let people know how good Michael was by writing: "He was a precious gift -- loving, giving, compassionate, joyful and intelligent. A great inspiration for anyone that heard his genuine, humble, witty and joyful voice, or experienced his smile, laughter and love for just a moment. To know him was to love him."
At the end of the message, the family stated: "His humble nature hid a great compassionate and loving human being, with a huge heart. He cared profoundly for his family and friends. Mike was a great giver, always ready and able to care for others. Although his life was short, we are grateful and appreciate the experience of having been loved, and loved him in return, and for being in our lives. In our hearts and souls, he will always be with us."
Galeota appeared in movies, mostly children's films like Daniel Stern's comedy film "Bushwhacked." He also starred in Disney's film "Clubhouse Detectives" in 1996. Michael's best known project was Disney Channel's "The Jersey" which ran from 1999-2004.
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