TMZ is reporting that former Glee star, Mark Salling, has been found dead in his home in the Northeast San Fernando Valley today. He was 35 years of age and the cause of death is thought to be suicide, with sources saying he hung himself. Details beyond that are scarce, but an investigation is currently underway and we expect to learn more soon.
In December of 2017, Salling plead guilty to possession of child pornography and took a plea deal which would see him serve 4 to 7 years behind bars, with supervised release for 20 years after that. He was also going to have to register as a sex offender and pay restitution to “each victim who requested it.”
Apparently, he was found with over 50,000 images on his laptop and hard drive of underage children engaged in sexual conduct. His sentencing was set for this March.
In a statement released earlier today, his lawyer confirmed the news, saying:
“I can confirm that Mark Salling passed away early this morning. Mark was a gentle and loving person, a person of great creativity, who was doing his best to atone for some serious mistakes and errors of judgment. He is survived by his mother and father, and his brother. The Salling family appreciates the support they have been receiving and asks for their privacy to be respected.”
Of course, most people will know Salling from his time on the aforementioned Glee, where he played Noah ‘Puck’ Puckerman from 2009-2015. He also has a few other credits aside from Fox’s hit TV show, but it’s that series which he’ll be most remembered for, and understandably so.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mark Salling‘s friends and family at this difficult time and we’ll be sure to let you know as soon as further details are released.