Who Was Sawyer Sweeten?
Sawyer Storm Sweeten was an American child actor best known for his role as Geoffrey Barone on the beloved sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond.
Born on May 12, 1995, in Brownwood, Texas, Sawyer grew up alongside his twin brother Sullivan and sister Madylin. Together they starred on the show for nine seasons, creating lasting memories for audiences.
Despite his early fame, Sawyer’s life took a tragic turn in his late teens, which deeply affected his family, co-stars, and fans.
Sawyer Sweeten’s Final Days
In April 2015, just 19 days shy of his 20th birthday, Sawyer Sweeten died by suicide, caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The news shocked many who knew him or admired him from his childhood acting career.
Key facts about his last days include:
- Sawyer was living in California, where he shared a house with his twin brother Sullivan prior to his death.
- The cause of death was officially ruled as suicide, which brought increased awareness on mental health issues in former child actors.
- He was mourned by his family, as well as by co-stars and colleagues who expressed deep sorrow.
Location of the Tragic Event
The incident occurred in California, where the Sweeten family had relocated when the twins were infants. Sawyer and Sullivan lived together in Riverside, California during his final years.
However, Sawyer’s funeral was held far from California in his hometown of Brownwood, Texas. This choice of location was meaningful for his family as it reconnected his life’s end with the place of his beginnings.
Holding the funeral in Brownwood symbolized a return to his roots, providing nearby friends, family, and community members the opportunity to pay their respects in a familiar setting.
Details About His Funeral
The funeral service took place at the First Baptist Church in Brownwood, Texas, attended by close family members, friends, and several co-stars from Everybody Loves Raymond.
“The Sweeten family was our family for those nine years on Raymond. My deepest condolences and love go out to them during this unimaginable time,” said Brad Garrett, who played Uncle Robert on the show.
The intimate service featured heartfelt speeches from Sawyer’s parents, Timothy and Elizabeth Sweeten, sharing memories and expressing gratitude for the community support.
The funeral marked an important moment of closure and solidarity for those who loved him.
Impact on Family, Friends, and Fans
Sawyer’s passing was described as a heartbreaking loss by many. Not only did it deeply affect his immediate family, but his former co-stars also publicly mourned his death.
- Ray Romano, who played his on-screen father, remembered Sawyer as “a wonderful and sweet kid to be around.”
- Patricia Heaton, his on-screen mother, expressed that he was a “funny and exceptionally bright young man” taken from the world too soon.
- Fans of Everybody Loves Raymond also expressed grief and sadness, recognizing the challenges faced by child actors beyond their time in the spotlight.
This tragedy highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and support systems, especially for young individuals who grew up in public careers.