RJ Mitte’s ‘Heartbroken’ Costars on “Breaking Bad” Speak Out After His Death at 34

Mitte played Walter “Flynn” White Jr., son of Bryan Cranston’s character, on all five seasons of the show

NEED TO KNOW

• Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte died at age 34, his rep confirmed to PEOPLE on Monday, Oct. 12
• “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” the rep told PEOPLE
• In the wake of the news, the cast of the hit AMC series, on which Mitte played Walter White Jr., son of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White, paid tribute

RJ Mitte’s costars are remembering the actor and activist following his death on Monday, Oct. 12.

The disability rights activist and actor known for playing Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on all five seasons of the AMC series Breaking Bad, died at age 34, a rep told PEOPLE in a statement on Monday.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” the statement said. “Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”

Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader in the five-season series, which aired from 2008 to 2013, called the news of Mitte’s death “heartbreaking” in a statement.

“Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set. He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed,” Norris, 63, said. “I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family.”

Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman in the series, said that he was “at a loss” after hearing the news, per The Hollywood Reporter.

“I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed,” Paul said. “And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”

Filmmaker Michael D. Coffey, who chose Mitte to play him in Triumph, the film he wrote based on his own life, said that he and the actor “instantly bonded like brothers.” He later cast Mitte in his forthcoming supernatural thriller One Eye Open, set for release on Oct. 16.

“I cast RJ to star in my first movie Triumph because I wanted a great actor who has CP to play me,” Coffey said in a statement to PEOPLE. “RJ was awesome.”

“RJ was a very hard worker ever since his childhood from helping his mom. He was always traveling to hospitals, etc. to advocate for people with disabilities,” Coffey continued. “RJ will be greatly missed by the many, many lives he touched.”

Actress and disability rights activist Marlee Matlin, who worked with Mitte on the series Switched at Birth, shared a remembrance on Instagram.

“My heart is shattered. There will never be another like RJ Mitte,” Matlin wrote in the caption alongside a photo of her posing with Mitte and their Switched at Birth costar Ryan Lane. “You’ll always have a place in my heart.”

Lea Thompson, who also appeared in Switched at Birth alongside Mitte, described the actor as “joyous, professional, and kind” in an Instagram tribute on Monday.

“I am so broken hearted to hear of his passing,” Thompson wrote. “May his memory be a blessing. Rest in peace RJ your work inspired so many.”

The Brownsville Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that Mitte died in Brownsville, Texas. They received a call at 12:50 p.m and officers arrived at Mitte’s home, where he was found dead.

“The cause and manner of death are still pending, as there is currently an ongoing investigation,” the Brownsville Police Department said.

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Mitte earned the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award in 2013 for his work on Breaking Bad, and he also appeared in ABC Family’s Switched at Birth, the superhero series The Guardians of Justice, and had early appearances in Hannah Montana and Everybody Hates Chris.