'True Blood' Star Nelsan Ellis Dies At 39-Years-Old

Nelsan Ellis from True Blood has passed away at 39-years-old, his manager Emily Gerson Saines, told The Hollywood Reporter. He was known for his role on the hit HBO show as Lafayette Reynolds.

"Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure," Saines said. "He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed."

HBO also released a statement saying, "We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis." Adding, "Nelsan was a long-time member of the HBO family whose groundbreaking portrayal of Lafayette will be remembered fondly within the overall legacy of True Blood. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO."