Clay Adler, who was the lead in MTV’s Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County, died from a self-inflicted gunshot on March 26, TMZ reports.
Police sources told TMZ that Clay and his friends took a trip to the desert to go shooting. In the middle of firing, Clay turned the weapon on himself. He died in the hospital and no drugs or alcohol were found in his system. However, he had suffered with mental health issues in the past.
Friends and family gathered at the beach to pay tribute with a traditional paddle out ceremony as he was a passionate surfer in his free time.
“We are saddened by the news of Clay Adler’s passing,” MTV tells E! News in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.”
Clay and Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence were close friends, and she’s been left “heartbroken”.
“Clay brings Jennifer back to her humble beginnings and really has made Jennifer feel heartbroken,” a source shared to HollywoodLife.
“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 source added.
Newport Harbor co-star Allie Stockton shared on Instagram to honor Clay, “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.”
Clay’s father, Frank, confirmed that his son’s death was suicide, and revealed that Clay would be glad his organs had been donated to save more lives.
“[He’s] already saved about four or five lives,” he told People.
“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.”
