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UPDATE, WEDNESDAY 5:32PM EST: Thomas Mikal Ford, the actor famous for playing Martin Lawrence’s sidekick, Tommy, in the hit sitcom Martin has confirmed has died, his rep confirms to HelloBeautiful. He was 52 years old.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved Son, father, brother, husband, and friend Tommy Ford,” his family said in a statement provided to HelloBeautiful. “On behalf of the family, we would like to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers. Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming. Please respect the privacy of the Ford family during our time of grief”

As HelloBeautiful previously reported, Ford was mistakenly reported to have died earlier Wednesday, but at that time, Pervis would only confirm that he was in the hospital surrounded by his loved ones.

Ford was hospitalized earlier this week and according to reports, his health took a turn for the worse. TMZ reports that the family decided to take him off of life support Wednesday afternoon.

ORIGINAL STORY: Conflicting reports began circulating social media earlier today after sources reported Thomas Mikal Ford was on life support following a stomach aneurysm. Others reported he passed away.

Actor Anthony Anderson added fuel to the rumor mill when he tweeted,

“Thank you all for your prayers but we lost #TommyFord this morning. May GOD rest his soul and comfort his family!”

Anderson deleted that tweet then posted:

According to TMZ, Tommy “slipped into unconsciousness” during a post-op checkup for a recent knee replacement surgery. Ford’s wife told told TMZ, his health has been in decline since he was hospitalized on Sunday.

Anderson apologized for his misinformed tweet in response to HelloBeautiful’s Editorial Director Allison McGevna.

Ford’s character on ‘Martin’ was most memorable for not having a job.

Tommy’s rep wouldn’t confirm his medical condition, but advised the family will be sending out a statement.

Our prayers are with Tommy and his family at this time. We will continue to update this story as more details come in.

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