Mel Gibson's daughter in patriot dies

     Skye McCole Bartusiak has died at age 21. She was best known for her role as the youngest daughter of Mel Gibson's character in "The Patriot."


Bartusiak was found dead in her Houston home on Saturday. "We lost our girl," her mother Helen McCole Bartusiak told CNN. "She was a kind and really beautiful girl."
CNN further reports that investigators have yet to determine a cause of death, though Bartusiak's mother notes she had been suffering from epileptic seizures in days prior. According to Variety, she died while she was sleeping. Her body was discovered by her boyfriend, who found her sitting up in bed.

Aside from her memorable role in "The Patriot," the 21-year-old was known for her parts in "Cider House Rules" and "Don't Say A Word." She also appeared on various television shows, including "24," "Lost," "CSI" and "House." Her mother noted that she was preparing to produce and direct her first feature film.
                                         r.i.p. skye