Henry “Hank” Deutschendorf has died aged 29.
The Ghostbusters II star and nephew of John Denver tragically committed suicide by hanging last week at his apartment in Escondido, California.
Hank was found by his brother who cut him down and called 911, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The former child star played Oscar, the baby son of Sigourney Weaver’s character Dana Barrett, in the 1989 comedy alongside his twin brother William.
Sad news: Hank Deutschendorf, who played baby Oscar in Ghostbusters II, has died aged 29 | Columbia Pictures
William confirmed Hank’s death on a Brain & Behavior Research Foundation page, revealing that he battled schizoaffective disorder.
“It is a chronic mental health condition which is a combination of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia,” he wrote. “He experienced hallucinations, delusions, depression, and mania.
“It is a very severe mental illness that usually requires a lifetime of treatment. It is not well studied, so the treatment is largely an estimation based on schizophrenia and bipolar treatments.”
William revealed that Hank was diagnosed in 2008 and tried everything under the sun to help his symptoms, but shared, “By the end he had 25 voices, all with different personalities and opinions, but mostly agreeing they did not like Hank.”
In his memory: Hank’s brother William has said up a fundraising page to help other sufferers of schizoaffective disorder | Brain & Behavior Foundation
He added: “On June 14th, Hank lost his battle to schizophrenia. Our parents will always remember him as a loving son. His family will remember him as someone who was always there when they needed him.
“His nieces and nephews will remember him as the funnest uncle who was always ready to play. His close friends will remember how he always helped them look for the silver lining. His students will remember him as a mentor, in martial arts and in life.
“His girlfriend will remember him as someone who made her feel like the most important person in the world. I will remember him as my best friend, my partner, my brother, and the bravest man I have ever known.”
You can donate to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation in memory of Hank HERE.
