MTV reality star Clay Adler dies aged 27

Clay was a cast member on the MTV series Newport Harbour: The Real Orange County, and was also an actor in the TV series Make It or Break It.

MTV has paid tribute to the star, which is thought to have taken his own life.

"We are saddened by the news of Clay Adler's passing," it said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time."

Jennifer Lawrence, who was a good friend of the star, is apparently heartbroken after hearing the news.

According to reports, Clay shot himself while in the desert with friends on Saturday 25 March.

His dad, Frank, told People magazine that his son had died in hospital the next day in what seemed to be a suicide.

He said he didn't think his son had been struggling with depression.

"There were no signs. No real signs," he said,

He said that no alcohol or drugs had been found in his system.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS