Skye McCole Bartusiak Dead At 21: ‘Patriot’ actress suffered seizures

Skye McCole Bartusiak, best known for her role in “The Patriot” as Mel Gibson’s daughter, has died at 21 years old.

The cause of death is still unknown. Her mother, Helen McCole Bartusiak, told CNN that Bartusiak had recently suffered from epileptic seizures, and her mother said she believed Bartusiak “had a seizure and choked and nobody was there.”

Bartusiak’s boyfriend found her sitting up in her bed, her mother said.
Bartusiak’s career began at age 6, when she had a small role in “The Cider House Rules” in 1999. She also appeared in “The Patriot” as Mel Gibson’s youngest child, and in 2001’s “Don’t Say a Word.” Her latest role was 2012’s “Sick Boy.”

Abigail Breslin tweeted Sunday that she was “devastated” by Bartusiak’s death. “One of my very good friends and someone who was like a sister to me, Skye McCole Bartusiak passed away today. So devastated.”

Agencies/Canadajournal