Ross Grskovic Dies: Child Actor From ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ Killed In Dirt Bike Crash, Twin Brother Charged

Ross Grskovic was killed after a dirt bike crash, and the twin brother of the former child actor is now facing murder charges.

The 19-year-old Grskovic was killed on Friday while riding a dirt bike in Wilmington, Illinois, with his twin brother, Casey Grskovic. Police claim that Casey had been drinking and slammed into his brother’s bike, killing him.

The twins both appeared in the 1998 David Schwimmer movie Since You’ve Been Gone, playing the role of Baby Tristan. The movie, which was both written and directed by the Friends actor, was about a group of friends who met for a 10-year class reunion. The film also featured actresses Teri Hatcher and Lara Flynn Boyle.

Police said the accident that killed Ross Grskovic took place on Friday at about 11:15 p.m. Just hours earlier, Ross had posted a message on Twitter that said he had been drinking.

Not sober

— Ross Grskovic (@soooclutch) September 26, 2015

But that post soon turned into a strange memorial. Many friends left messages of support for the family, while others took to Facebook to send their condolences.

One friend, Presley Koerner, also noted his support for Casey Grskovic in a Facebook post.

“Ross Grskovic, I cannot believe that you’re gone…. We have been friends since 7th grade, and we have had the best times together through high school. You were an amazing person and a true friend to me. Thank you. So so so so terrible you had to leave us so early I will miss you so much. Rest easy up there ? Casey Grskovicc, you and your family are in my prayers. Love you guys”

Before his death, Ross appeared to be living the life of a teenager, posting about going to parties at Iowa State University and getting into trouble. He appeared to post often when he was drinking.

Im going to isu tomorrow. Anyone wanna make a bet on hoe man tickets i get this time

— Ross Grskovic (@soooclutch) September 10, 2015

Grskovic had also posted pictures of his new dirt bike on Twitter, just weeks before his death.

Police said the twins were found about 100 yards apart, both thrown from their dirt bikes.

Ross Grskovic was taken to a nearby hospital, but declared dead of brain injuries.

Ross Grskovic appeared to leave acting after his role in Since You’ve Been Gone. The movie is the sole entry on Grksovic’s IMDb page.

Though his career was short, Grskovic suffered the fate of a number of other child stars. Many of those who found fame early in life struggled later on, often dealing with alcoholism, drug addiction, and depression.

One of those was Sawyer Sweetin, the young star of Everybody Loves Raymond who took his life in 2013. Sweetin reportedly struggled with mental illness and depression.

“This morning a terrible family tragedy has occurred,” Madylin Sweeten said in a statement passed on by her manager, Dino May, to CNN.

“We are devastated to report that our beloved brother, son, and friend, Sawyer Sweeten, took his own life. He was weeks away from his 20th birthday. At this sensitive time, our family requests privacy and we beg of you to reach out to the ones you love.”

Like Grskovic, Sawyer Sweetin appeared to leave acting after his major role.

Other child stars have been able to overcome the difficulties to craft careers into adulthood, but many others left acting entirely, often finding careers elsewhere. Some have been successful in doing it, including Wonder Years star Danica McKeller, who became a mathematician and wrote a popular book encouraging kids to enter the field.

An official cause of death for Ross Grskovic is expected, pending the results of an autopsy.

[Images via Twitter / Ross Grskovic]