Les Miserables' Kyle Jean-Baptiste, the First African-American to Play Jean Valjean on Broadway, Dead at 21

Broadway.com has confirmed that Les Miserables cast member Kyle Jean-Baptiste died in the early hours of August 29 after accidentally falling from a fire escape. He was making his Great White Way debut in the production and was just 21 years old.

Baptiste made history this summer when he became the youngest person ever on Broadway to play the role of Jean Valjean, as well as being the first African-American to do so; he last performed the part on the evening of August 27, headliner Ramin Karimloo's scheduled night off. Along with understudying Valjean, Baptiste normally played the roles of Constable and Courfeyrac. A recent graduate of Baldwin Wallace, his regional theater credits included Enjolras in Les Miserables and Tom in Murder Ballad.

“The entire Les Miserables family is shocked and devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of Kyle, a remarkable young talent and tremendous person who made magic—and history—in his Broadway debut," said a production spokesperson in a statement. "We send our deepest condolences to his family and ask that you respect their privacy in this unimaginably difficult time.”

His family added: "Yesterday, a young man who was kind, thoughtful, respectful, confident and vulnerable, left our world. He was a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin, and a friend. With a smile 'yay wide,' a heart worn on his sleeve, and a song always on his lips, he walked with us for 21 years. To say he will be missed would be an understatement. Our pain has no boundaries. Kyle Xavier Seth Jean-Baptiste has left an indelible mark on all of our lives. His talent was boundless and his light was so bright. We are grateful for each and every day we got to spend with him. His energy will live on in each of us. We extend our gratitude to our extended family, Victoria Bussert, Scott Plate, Ben Sands, Cameron Mackintosh and friends—old & new. Services will be private."

On August 15, Baptiste joined with Hamilton's Lin- Manuel Miranda for a rendition of "Confrontation" at the #Ham4Ham lottery, below.

The thoughts of all of us at Broadway.com are with Baptiste's family and friends at this heartbreaking time.