Who was Clay Adler? Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County star dead at 27 after taking his own life
The former teen heartthrob committed suicide after battling "mental health problems"
FORMER teen heartthrob Clay Adler has taken his own life.
We take a look back over the life of the MTV reality star, and how he passed away...
Who is Clay Adler?
Clay Alder was an MTV reality star and actor.
He was born on 20 August 1989 and was 27 years old when he died.
Aged just 17 he shot to fame in 2007 as one of the cast members of MTV show Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County, which was a spin off from the successful Laguna Beach.
His chiselled good looks and surfer body gained him instant fame, and he went on to become one of the leading characters.
How did Clay Adler die?
According to TMZ, Clay passed away from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on 26 March 2017.
Police sources told TMZ that Clay was with friends on 25 March 2017 when he took his own life after the group had gone into the desert to fire guns, and Clay turned the weapon on himself.
He shot himself in the head and died the following day in hospital.
Police do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved, but told TMZ that he had suffered with mental health issues in the past.
On Saturday his family and friends paid tribute the keen surfer with a traditional paddle out ceremony.
An MTV spokesperson told Digital Spy: “We are saddened by the news of Clay Adler’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.”
What shows was Clay Alder in?
After Newport Harbour Clay ventured into acting.
He had bit roles in The Fish Tank (TV movie) and Make It or Break It (TV series).
He used to audition for shows and movies with Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence.
The Hunger Games star is said to be “heartbroken” over his sudden suicide.
An anonymous source told HollywoodLife: “Clay brings Jennifer back to her humble beginnings and really has made Jennifer feel heartbroken.”
