Child star who played Mel Gibson's daughter in 'The Patriot' found dead in her home at age 21

Actress Skye McCole Bartusiak, best known for her role as Mel Gibson’s daughter in The Patriot, has died. She was 21 years old.

The cause of death of the former child star remains unknown, but it has been reported that she passed away in her sleep in her family’s home in Texas Saturday, TMZ reported.

Bartusiak was seven years old when she was cast in the role of Susan Martin, the daughter of Benjamin Martin played by Gibson in the 2000 hit film directed by Robert Emmerich.

 

According to Variety, over the past 14 years Bartusiak also appeared in a number TV shows, including 24, Lost, CSI and House MD.

A native of Houston, the 21-year-old actress has recently produced and starred in several shorts, including Frame of Reference and Bushido last year, and Sick Boy in 2012.  

According to a TMZ report, police were called to the Bartusiaks' family's home in Houston at around 9am Saturday after Skye was found unresponsive inside her garage apartment.

Police sources told the celebrity gossip site they have not detected any 'obvious signs’ of foul play or a suicide.

An autopsy will be performed to determine a cause of death and a toxicology report is still pending.

According to Facebook and LinkedIn profiles, Skye was the daughter of Don Bartusiak, chief engineer with Exxonmobile based out of Houston.

The 21-year-old is also survived by her mother, Helen, and her older brother, Steve.

Fellow child star Abigail Breslin, 18, sent out a tweet Saturday night eulogizing Skye, whom she described as a very good friend who was like a sister to her.