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Now that rumors are surfacing that Lee Thompson Young's alleged death by suicide was caused by depression linked to his religion, a close friend is denying the claim calling it "a gross mischaracterization."




E! reported that those who really knew him said things "really changed" several years back when he started practicing Yorùbá, a religion based in the African countries of Nigeria and southern Benin. Supposedly, Young took a break from the practice and then came back to it close to his death.




The religion has the saying "iku ya j'esin" which means "death is preferable to ignominy." This began speculation that the practice possibly taught suicide is preferred then living life in dishonor.




However, Yorùbá culture icon and Chief Priest of Osogbo, Araba Ifayemi Osundagbonu Elebuibon, said early in the year that suicide in unacceptable.




The public figure told the National Mirror earlier in the year that Yorùbá "[does] not support suicide. Their belief is that if somebody commits suicide, they will be punished in the hereafter."




In addition, his close friend told the NY Daily News that the belief that his religion had anything to do with his depression was a "gross mischaracterization."




In fact, the friend said he chose the religion to search for enlightenment and that he could've been "too sensitive" for this world.




His friend included that Young didn't play villain roles and he always wanted to be the protagonist.




"He wouldn't even play characters that were bad. He was all about good," said the friend.




Another source added that the late 29-year-old Rizzoli & Isles star didn't participate in drinking or partying.




"He was the opposite," said the source. "Lee loved to travel and was always the first to tell everyone to take a breath and enjoy the beauty of life."




Although Young was close with his mother, who he recently took a trip with to a Yoruba village, he was said to be only surrounded by "industry types" while residing in Los Angeles.

Despite this, his friend said he found family within his community.




"He had a great support network. He had his local priest and lots of good friends who were like family, including the 'Rizzoli' cast."




It is still unclear whether the death was a suicide, according to police officials. A gun was found at the scene and Young did appear to have a self-inflicting wound. Still, there was no suicide note.




"It's still a mystery. Evidently he was a clean-cut kid who didn't use alcohol and had no reported drug problem," a law enforcement source told the Daily News Tuesday.




The production of TNT's "Rizzoli & Isles" has been suspended for the week or until further notice.