"Breaking Bad" Star RJ Mitte Dead at 34: What We Know

Media Crew, we're starting tonight with some truly heartbreaking news. 🕊️

RJ Mitte — the actor best known for playing Walter White Jr. on the Emmy-winning AMC series Breaking Bad — has died. He was just 34 years old.

His reps confirmed the tragic news Monday, saying: "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte."

Here's what we know so far:

What happened: A county official confirmed to TMZ that Mitte died Monday in Brownsville, Texas. Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa said he was declared dead at about 1:30 p.m. local time, and his body has been sent for autopsy in Harlingen.

Cause of death — handle with care: TMZ is reporting — allegedly — that Mitte died by suicide, citing a county official. But the manner of death has NOT been officially confirmed. Judge Hinojosa says the autopsy will determine how he died, and law enforcement tells TMZ the investigation is ongoing. So Allegedly Media is keeping the "allegedly" firmly attached here until officials say otherwise.

The tributes are pouring in: His Breaking Bad family is heartbroken. Aaron Paul told The Hollywood Reporter: "I am at a loss. I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed," adding, "please know you are loved, and you are not alone." Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, shared: "Oh my God! Was working just found out about RJ. I am heartbroken... He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed."

His legacy: Beyond Breaking Bad, Mitte was a passionate disability-rights advocate. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 3, he used his platform to champion disability awareness and inclusion — serving as a Screen Actors Guild spokesperson for performers with disabilities, a celebrity ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's, and president of The Mitte Foundation.

He had so much ahead: Mitte was engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Kennedy Suarez, and had just last week appeared on The Joe Vulpis Podcast talking about the future of the Breaking Bad universe. "I want to top Breaking Bad," he said. His words now feel hauntingly prophetic.

Media Crew, this one hurts. A beloved actor, gone far too soon. We'll update this story as more details are confirmed.

🕊️ If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available in the U.S. — call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Story developing. All unconfirmed details are reported as alleged until officials confirm them.