Sawyer Sweeten’s Family Reacts to Devastating Loss

After Sawyer Sweeten's apparent suicide last week, his family has spoken out about the tragic loss of their loved one.

Sawyer played Geoffrey Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond, and his siblings—twin brother Sullivan and sister Madylin Sweeten— were his fellow cast members too. The loss has been understandably hard on Sawyer's family, but they've released statements talking about how much they'll miss him.

Madylin told PEOPLE, "Sawyer was more than just a brother. He was a strong and selfless friend. When confiding in one another, Sawyer always had the kindest words of encouragement. He will live on in my head and those shared moments forever."

Sawyer's 16-year-old sister Maysa said, "Although my memories of my brother hurt now, they are some of the best I've ever had and deserve to live on in my mind and in the minds of my family forever. There isn't a single day I won't miss him." She went on to say, "Until we meet again, big bro, I love you!"

Sawyer's maternal grandparents also commented, saying, "We loved Sawyer as we do all of our grandchildren. He and Sullivan weren't ever actors or celebrities to us, just the sweetest boys that ever lived."

Sawyer's uncle, Trey — who refers to Sawyer as "the Bubs," the family's nickname for both twins — said that the two boys "leveled and equaled each other out with their own personalities. Sawyer was the one with a heart of toughness and love mixed together. He carried himself with a sense of confidence that made me double-check myself when I was with him. I loved it."

Another uncle, Lauro Hernandez, shared that Sawyer was "an amazing, kindhearted and loving nephew" and said that his own son would often listen to Sawyer, instead of his own parents.

Sawyer's close friend, Jonathan Button, also commented on his death, saying, "He was an outgoing guy. We used to throw darts and talk in the backyard until our arms were sore. I will miss him so much. I love you, Sawyer."

Sawyer died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head while visiting family in Texas. He was 19 years old.