Lost Boys actor Brooke McCarter dies aged 52

American actor Brooke McCarter, known for his role in The Lost Boys, has died at the age of 52.

The star’s family announced the news in a statement on Tuesday, saying that they were ‘heartbroken’.

It read: “The McCarter family is heartbroken to share the news that Brooke McCarter passed away December 22, 2015 from the genetic liver condition alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT). He was 52.

“Brooke was our loving son, brother, father, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend.

“Funeral arrangements are still being finalized. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

McCarter gained a cult following thanks to his role in the 1987 vampire film, alongside Kiefer Sutherland and Corey Haim.

He also gained attention for his appearance in skateboarding film Thrashin’ the previous year.

In 1998 he took a decade-long hiatus from Hollywood to pursue other interests but made his return to film in 2009’s Uh-Oh Show and 2010’s Emerging Past.