Jennifer Lawrence 'heartbroken' over suicide of old friend and MTV reality star Clay Adler who 'brings her back to her humble beginnings' as its revealed his organs have already saved five lives

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Jennifer Lawrence is said to be 'heartbroken' over the sudden suicide of her 27-year-old friend, MTV reality star Clay Adler.

'Clay brings Jennifer back to her humble beginnings and really has made Jennifer feel heartbroken,' an anonymous source told HollywoodLife.

The two used to pal around together when they were both auditioning in Hollywood and Adler was semi-famous thanks to his appearances on two seasons of Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County, a spinoff of the popular Laguna Beach.

Hollywood dreams: Clay had hoped to become and actor but struggled to land a big role.  At the time he was close to then fellow up and comer, Jennifer Lawrence (posing together on the red carpet at the Movieguide Awards in 2007)

Clay became known for his appearances in two seasons of an MTV Laguna Beach spinoff, Newport Harbor 

Adler was only 27 when he took his own life while out in the desert with friends. His father Frank said there were 'no real signs' of what might have triggered the tragedy

The photogenic pair attended the Movieguide Awards together in 2007. Jennifer's career skyrocketed, even winning her an Oscar in 2013. Adler's entertainment career never quite got off the ground after Newport Harbor.

The source says the star is taking her old pal's death hard.

'It is really sad because she remembers him fondly and never wants to hear anything like this happen to anyone, especially to someone she once knew very well. It’s a shame and she is really bummed out over it,' the person said.

Adler reportedly was out in the desert on March 25 shooting guns with friends when he turned it on himself, shooting himself in the head, according to TMZ.

Sad loss: Clay Adler, who once starred on MTV's Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County, has died after committing suicide (he is seen here in 2009)

He died in hospital the following day. Police said there were no alcohol or drugs in his system at the time. He reportedly had a history of mental illness.

His father, Frank, who confirmed the death was suicide, said his son was a caring person who would have been 'thrilled' that his organs were donated and able to save others.

'[He's] already saved about four or five lives,' he told People.

Frank said it was his son's idea to be an organ donor.

Too young: The 27-year-old passed away from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on March 26 (he i pictured with co-star and ex-girlfriend Chrissy Schwartz and co-star Allie Stockton)

'Clay had requested that his organs - and he did this years ago when he applied for a driver’s license - that his organs be donated to people.' He added that his son had done 'amazing things' and beyond the four or five lives he's already saved, there could be more.

As for what may have triggered his son taking his own life, Frank said he did not know. 'There were no signs. No real signs.'

The devastated dad also said Clay had been 'clean for several years.'

He said the family stayed with him for a day at the hospital and had an 'amazing time' with him. He said doctors kept him alive longer so his organs could be harvested.

'The hospital did say that he’s donated more than they’ve ever seen because his internals were in phenomenal shape,' he said.

He added that 'several people' had already gotten in touch with him to thank him for his son's gifts.

'[They were] incredibly grateful and incredibly sorry for our loss, but unbelievably grateful that they’re able to continue living. Clay would have been thrilled to know that,' he said.

'Truly heartbroken': His co-star Allie paid tribute to the 27-year-old as friends and family farewelled the avid surfer with a traditional paddle out at his local break

'That’s a good thing that came out of it,' he was 'Clay would be thrilled that these people are now living because of him.' 

On Saturday, friends and family bade farewell to the avid surfer with a traditional paddle out ceremony.

After appearing on the MTV reality show, Clay tried his hand at acting but struggled to find his big break.

The budding actor was close to then fellow up and comer, Jennifer Lawrence, who would go on to get three Oscar noms and one win.

Big break: Clay appeared on two season of the MTV reality show in 2008 and 2007 which built on the success of the widely popular Laguna Beach

On Saturday his former Newport Harbor co-star Allie Stockton paid tribute to her late friend.

Posting a picture of them enjoying themselves at a Halloween party on Instagram, she said: 'At a loss for words and truly heartbroken. 

'We love you so much Clay. I do hope you're in this outfit when I see you again.'

Another friend, a photographer called John Russo, wrote on Instagram: 'Cherish your friends because you never know when one is going to leave.' 

An MTV spokesman said: 'We are saddened by the news of Clay Adler's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.' 

If you or someone you know is struggling or is considering suicide contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1‑800‑273‑TALK (8255) where help and hope is available.