Aaron Carter, singer and brother of Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter, has died aged 34, his representatives have confirmed.
TMZ.com has reported that the former pop star was found dead in the bath at his home in Lancaster, California, after police received a 911 call at 11am on Saturday.
Carter’s representatives at Roger Paul Inc told Sky News: “We are extremely saddened and shocked to confirm the passing of Aaron Carter today.
“At the moment his cause of death is being investigated.
“We ask that you give the family time and they will have more information when available.
“We cannot express the outpouring of love coming in.”
Los Angeles County Police Department confirmed to the Press Association that officers attended Carter’s residence at 4200 LA Vista Drive in Lancaster, California, on Saturday, and found someone dead.
A journey from child stardom
Carter began performing when he was seven and released his self-titled debut album in 1997 when he was nine, selling one million copies worldwide.
His second album, Aaron’s Party (Come Get It), sold three million copies in the US.
This success led to appearances on Nickelodeon and tours with the Backstreet Boys and on Britney Spears’ Oops!… I Did It Again tour.
Nick and Aaron Carter together in 2006
Carter also tried his hand at acting, guest starring on shows including Lizzie McGuire and making his Broadway debut in 2001 as JoJo the Who in Seussical The Musical.
Carter appeared on Dancing With The Stars in 2009 and on the family’s reality series House Of Carters that aired on E! Entertainment Television.
In 2017, he appeared on a US talk show called The Doctors where he tested positive for prescription drugs which he said he took for anxiety and sleep.
He entered a rehab facility after his appearance on the show.
Carter made the move to rap music in recent years, throwing off his child star image with a number of face tattoos.
He also had his share of controversy, as well as several run-ins with the law.
His relationship with his siblings was strained over the years and in 2019, his brother Nick filed a restraining order against him, alleging he threatened to kill his pregnant wife and unborn child.
Carter acknowledged the restraining order on Twitter at the time, but denied the allegations of threatening behaviour.
Carter’s fifth and final studio album, LOVE, was released in 2018.
The singer welcomed his first child, Prince, with Melanie Martin in 2021.