Already have an account?
Get back to the

‘Melissa & Joey’ Star Taylor Spreitler’s Father Dies by Suicide: Read Her Emotional Tribute

Taylor Spreitler
Taylor Spreitler attends the 4th Annual CBS Television Studios Summer Soiree in 2016.

Melissa & Joey star Taylor Spreitler shared a touching tribute to her father, Danny Spreitler, who died in Amory, Mississippi, of suicide, via a post to Instagram on Thursday, July 7.

The 22-year-old actress, who plays spunky Lennox Scanlon on the hit Freeform sitcom, shared a photo of her late father, who was 55, looking content as he snuggles up with a family dog, along with a few heart-wrenching words.

Related: PHOTOS: Celebrity Deaths in 2016: Stars We’ve Lost

“Today my heart is hurting,” she captioned the photo. “My dad took his own life due to his struggles with depression. I am deeply saddened and will miss him dearly as he was my cheerleader and biggest inspiration.”

“I am sharing this news with all my fans as I want to educate everyone on the pain that depression can cause,” she continued. “My mission now is to educate others on how to get help. If you know someone who is struggling, please tell them to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Also, I ask that you respect my family’s privacy during this time so we may heal from the devastating news. Thank you for all the love and support.”

Related: PHOTOS: Most Shocking Celebrity Deaths of All Time

According to Tupelo, Mississsippi, station WTVA, Danny Spreitler’s body was found on Tuesday morning in a downtown building with a single gunshot wound. Local police told the station that a coworker found Spreitler’s body sometime before 9:45 a.m.

He was involved in his community, holding several positions at what was formerly known as the Gilmore Memorial Hospital, including that of the hospital’s CEO.

Related: PHOTOS: Celebrity Deaths in 2015: Stars We've Lost

In 2015, he retired from the Gilmore Foundation, an organization he led that provided funds to multiple nonprofits.

He is survived by Taylor, another daughter, Samantha, and wife Denise.

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!