https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/verne-troyer-dead-49-after-12405413
Verne Troyer has died at the age of 49.
The Austin Powers star died on Saturday afternoon with a statement on his Instagram page making reference to "depression and suicide."
“Depression and Suicide are very serious issues," the statement read.
"You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside.
"Be kind to one another. And always know, it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help."
The actor - best known for being one of the shortest men in the world - was placed under involuntary psychiatric hold earlier this month after his worried friends rang the emergency services for help.
The Austin Powers actor, 49, was being kept under observation after he was rushed to hospital from his north Hollywood home amid concerns he was "extremely upset, drunk and suicidal", one of his friends told paramedics.
It was believed Verne was kept in hospital for 72 hours so doctors could evaluate and treat him, amid reports he was hospitalised with suspected alcohol poisoning.
LA Fire Department revealed the initial emergency call concerned poisoning, but didn't give further details.
And the Los Angeles Police Department said a man matching Verne's description was taken to a hospital and placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold, also known as a '5150'.
Under Californian law, a qualified officer, such as a cop, or specially designated county clinician can request involuntary confinement for a patient who is suspected of being a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or gravely disabled.
A representative of the star told the Mirror at the time: "Asking you to keep Verne in your thoughts and prayers.
"He's getting the best care possible and is resting comfortably. Appreciate the support from family, friends, and fans around the world. We will keep you updated."
A similar statement was posted to Verne's Instagram.
Today, Verne's Instagram confirmed the sad news of the star's death with a lengthy tribute.
"It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today," the statement read.
"Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message everyday.
"He inspired people around the world with his drive, determination, and attitude. On film & television sets, commercial shoots, at comic-con’s & personal appearances, to his own YouTube videos, he was there to show everyone what he was capable of doing.
The post continued: "Even though his stature was small and his parents often wondered if he’d be able to reach up and open doors on his own in his life, he went on to open more doors for himself and others than anyone could have imagined. He also touched more peoples hearts than he will ever know.
"Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles. Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much.
"During this recent time of adversity he was baptized while surrounded by his family. The family appreciates that they have this time to grieve privately."
The news comes a year after Troyer voluntarily checked into rehab over his battle with alcohol addiction.
He has been open about his booze problems for years and vowed to "continue my fight day by day" as he sought treatment.
"I've been hearing from some concerned fans, so I'd like to address a very personal situation," he said during his rehab stint in April 2017.
"As you know, I've battled alcohol addiction in the past and while it's not always been an easy fight, I'm willing to continue my fight day by day."
He went on: "I've been receiving treatment for the last week and I am voluntarily checking into a treatment center later this week to continue to get the help that I need.
"I want to thank everyone that's reached out with their messages of support, it truly means the world to me. With your support, I got this."
Two years earlier, in 2015, Verne was hospitalised when he suffered a seizure during an autograph-signing session at the Heart of Texas Comic Con.
But he recovered and told worried fans later that day that he was planning to return to the conference to resume his meet and greets.
The Austin Powers star died on Saturday afternoon with a statement on his Instagram page making reference to "depression and suicide."
“Depression and Suicide are very serious issues," the statement read.
"You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside.
"Be kind to one another. And always know, it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help."
The actor - best known for being one of the shortest men in the world - was placed under involuntary psychiatric hold earlier this month after his worried friends rang the emergency services for help.
The Austin Powers actor, 49, was being kept under observation after he was rushed to hospital from his north Hollywood home amid concerns he was "extremely upset, drunk and suicidal", one of his friends told paramedics.
It was believed Verne was kept in hospital for 72 hours so doctors could evaluate and treat him, amid reports he was hospitalised with suspected alcohol poisoning.
LA Fire Department revealed the initial emergency call concerned poisoning, but didn't give further details.
And the Los Angeles Police Department said a man matching Verne's description was taken to a hospital and placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold, also known as a '5150'.
Under Californian law, a qualified officer, such as a cop, or specially designated county clinician can request involuntary confinement for a patient who is suspected of being a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or gravely disabled.
A representative of the star told the Mirror at the time: "Asking you to keep Verne in your thoughts and prayers.
"He's getting the best care possible and is resting comfortably. Appreciate the support from family, friends, and fans around the world. We will keep you updated."
A similar statement was posted to Verne's Instagram.
Today, Verne's Instagram confirmed the sad news of the star's death with a lengthy tribute.
"It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today," the statement read.
"Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message everyday.
"He inspired people around the world with his drive, determination, and attitude. On film & television sets, commercial shoots, at comic-con’s & personal appearances, to his own YouTube videos, he was there to show everyone what he was capable of doing.
The post continued: "Even though his stature was small and his parents often wondered if he’d be able to reach up and open doors on his own in his life, he went on to open more doors for himself and others than anyone could have imagined. He also touched more peoples hearts than he will ever know.
"Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles. Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much.
"During this recent time of adversity he was baptized while surrounded by his family. The family appreciates that they have this time to grieve privately."
The news comes a year after Troyer voluntarily checked into rehab over his battle with alcohol addiction.
He has been open about his booze problems for years and vowed to "continue my fight day by day" as he sought treatment.
"I've been hearing from some concerned fans, so I'd like to address a very personal situation," he said during his rehab stint in April 2017.
"As you know, I've battled alcohol addiction in the past and while it's not always been an easy fight, I'm willing to continue my fight day by day."
He went on: "I've been receiving treatment for the last week and I am voluntarily checking into a treatment center later this week to continue to get the help that I need.
"I want to thank everyone that's reached out with their messages of support, it truly means the world to me. With your support, I got this."
Two years earlier, in 2015, Verne was hospitalised when he suffered a seizure during an autograph-signing session at the Heart of Texas Comic Con.
But he recovered and told worried fans later that day that he was planning to return to the conference to resume his meet and greets.
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