Goldbergs actor dies at 20: Odell was 'shining light'

The Los Angeles County coroner is investigating after he was found unresponsive at a sober living facility in Tarzana, LA, although they have said there is no sign of foul play.

Odell was best known for his role as Ari Caldwell in TV sitcom The Goldbergs and he made guest appearances in Modern Family, Arrested Development and iCarly.

He also wrote a number of songs for the Forever My Girl film soundtrack, including Wings of an Angel (sung by Lauren Alaina).

Just three days before his death, Odell tweeted that he was going to appear on the Controlled Chaos podcast alongside Josh Wolf, whose wife Bethany directed Forever My Girl.

The actor’s family released a statement, calling him a “shining light” and a “brilliant, loving and talented soul”.

They said: “The Odell family has lost our beloved son and brother, Jackson Odell, on Friday. He will always be a shining light and a brilliant, loving and talented soul. He had so much more to share.

“Our family will always carry that truth forward. Our wish is that the rest of the world who knew and loved him does as well.”

Fans and co-stars have shared their condolences on Twitter, including fellow Goldbergs actors Wendi McLendon-Covey and AJ Michalka.

McLendon-Covey wrote: “Shocked to hear about the passing of Jackson Odell… we hadn’t seen him for a while, but he was a bright, sweet soul. Love and blessings to his family.”

Michalka wrote: “Jackson Odell was way too young to pass 🙁 My heart goes out to his family during this time of grieving. Our Goldbergs family will miss him. RIP sweet Jackson. This is heartbreaking.”

Actress Ariel Winter, who plays Alex Dunphy in Modern Family, said: “Very hard for me to hear about anyone passing away, but someone so young really saddens me.”