Austin Majors, former child star on 'NYPD Blue,' cause of death ruled as fentanyl toxicity

Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY
·2 min read
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The cause of death for Austin Majors, a former child actor who appeared on several episodes of "NYPD Blue," has been revealed.

Majors died on Feb. 11 at age 27.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's office wrote on its website that Majors’, who was born Austin Setmajer, cause of death was fentanyl toxicity. The medical examiner ruled his death as accidental.

Austin Majors at NYPD Blue's 200th episode celebration at 20th Century Fox Studios in 2002.
Austin Majors at NYPD Blue's 200th episode celebration at 20th Century Fox Studios in 2002.

As a child, Majors appeared in several television shows, including "Providence," "ER," "Threshold," "According to Jim," "NCIS," "Desperate Housewives" and "How I Met Your Mother." He also lent his voice to the animated films "Treasure Planet" and "The Ant Bully."

His most famous role, however, was that of Theo Sipowicz on the ABC police procedural "NYPD Blue." Majors acted in 48 episodes of the series from 1999 to 2004.

His performance on "NYPD Blue" earned him the Young Artists Award for best performance in a television series, and his work on "Treasure Planet" earned him a nomination for best performance in a voiceover role, his IMDb page states.

Austin Majors (center) was a child star in "NYPD Blue."
Austin Majors (center) was a child star in "NYPD Blue."

Majors' family remembered the actor in a statement first published by TMZ as "a loving, artistic, brilliant, and kind human being."

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The family continued: "Austin took great joy and pride in his acting career. He was an active Eagle Scout and graduated Salutatorian in High School. He went on to graduate from USC's School of Cinematic Arts with a passion of directing and music producing."

"Austin’s younger sister, Kali, says her fondest memories with Austin were growing up on set with him, volunteering at events with 'Kids With a Cause,' and backpacking together," the statement concluded. "Austin was the kind of son, brother, grandson, and nephew that made us proud and we will miss him deeply forever."

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a confidential and free treatment referral help line. Call 1-800-662-4357 or visit findtreatment.gov.

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Contributing: Charles Trepany

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Austin Majors: 'NYPD Blue' child actor's death caused by fentanyl