Kyle-Jean-Baptiste-Obituary

Kyle Jean-Baptiste

1993 - 2015 (Age 21)

About

AGE
21

Obituary

Kyle Jean-Baptiste, the actor who earned acclaim as the first African-American and youngest person to ever play the role of Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables" on Broadway, has died, The Associated Press reports. He was 21.

According to MSN and the New York Daily News, his death was a result of a fall from a fire escape at his mother's home.

The production company made the following online statement: "The entire 'Les Misérables' family is shocked and devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of Kyle, a remarkable young talent and tremendous person who made magic — and history — in his Broadway debut. We send our deepest condolences to his family and ask that you respect their privacy in this unimaginably difficult time."

Born in New York, Jean-Baptiste graduated from Baldwin Wallace University. Shortly afterward, he joined the cast of the "Les Misérables" for the production’s critically acclaimed revival, playing the roles of the constable and Courfeyrac, as well as understudying in his “dream role” of Jean Valjean. On July 23, he made Broadway history when he debuted as both the first African-American and youngest actor to play the coveted role.

Broadway luminaries such as Kristin Chenoweth soon contributed to an outpouring of grief at the early loss of a promising young talent.

“He was just getting started. So sad. My condolences as well to family and cast,” the singer Josh Groban tweeted.

"This is so unspeakably tragic. Thinking of his family and all who loved him," wrote Debra Messing on Twitter.

The New York Daily News reports that the New York City police and fire departments had no further details to offer on the circumstances of his death.

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

I was near 276 a while back; I recalled you over the years, from 2nd grade to 5th grade and I had a painful thought about my treatment of you in our younger years. I never apologized to you for that incident in 4th grade, and now you've departed this life. I'm terribly sorry and I only wish I could give you this apology in-person.

As the source of life God not only has the desire,but will restore life to someone who has died.(Psalms36:9) This is a beautiful promise for the future!

May Kyle rest in peace. He was incredibly talented. My condolences to his family and friends. God needed an angel and decided to take Kyle Jean-Baptiste. Now he's singing in the choir of angels. R.I.P.

Kyle Jean-Baptiste, although very young, made a most memorable and treasured mark in life. My heart grieves over his tragic death. Dear loved ones, persevere in prayer and find joy in cherished memories of precious moments shared with Kyle.

Rest In Peace, Kyle

Gone to soon. RIP Kyle. My deepest sympathies to the Baptiste family.

KYLE, R.I.P. !

To the Jean-Baptiste family and every one that loved Kyle, I am truly sorry for your loss. You all are in my prayers. Psalms 94:19
My condolences to the family, friends