Skye McCole Bartusiak, the actress best known for her role as Mel Gibson’s daughter in the 2000 film The Patriot, has died at the age of 21. Bartusiak was found unresponsive by her boyfriend on her bed in her parents’ Houston home on Saturday. She had been living in an apartment over the family garage.

Skye’s mother, Helen Bartusiak, tried unsuccessfully to revive her daughter. She claimed her daughter was in good health and wasn’t a drinker. She also said her daughter didn’t do drugs. The actress had experienced seizures in recent days, however.

“We lost our girl,” Helen Bartusiak told the media.

“We think she had a seizure and choked and nobody was there,” she added. “They were working on her for 45 minutes and could not get a heartbeat. She was a kind and really beautiful girl.”

In addition to The Patriot with Mel Gibson, Skye McCole Bartusiak made her big screen debut back in 1999 in The Cider House Rules. In 2001 she played opposite Michael Douglas in Don’t Say A Word. She had a recurring role during the second season of 24, and guest starred on House and CSI. Her last film was in 2012–Sick Boy.

Skye’s mother said she was working on both producing and directing a future feature film.

Abigail Breslin paid tribute to Skye on Twitter.

You will be incredibly missed skye. Please everyone pray for her family. 🙁 http://t.co/Iu6jblXKrt

— Scout Compton (@PoutyScouty) July 20, 2014

She also shared this Instagram shot of the late actress.

Roland Emmerich directed and produced The Patriot. He expressed his grief via social media as well.

This is not the kind of news you want to begin your day with. RIP sweet Skye McCole Bartusiak.

— Roland Emmerich (@rolandemmerich) July 20, 2014

Those who followed the young actress are no doubt grieving and praying for her family. How sad that Skye McCole Bartusiak will never get to realize all of her dreams.

Image via YouTube