Canadian actor Stefan Brogren has paid tribute to his Degrassi: The Next Generation co-star Neil Hope after news of his 2007 death broke on Thursday (16Feb12).
Hope, who played Wheels in the Canadian teen TV franchise, was 35 when he passed away in 2007 from natural causes, but his relatives chose not to report his death at the time.
They have since confirmed the tragedy and his former fiancee, Christina Boulard, has released a statement explaining, "The family regrets to announce that Neil passed away in Hamilton, Ontario on November 25, 2007 of natural causes.
"There was some confusion regarding his passing that they do not wish to go public with, which is why they are only announcing his death now to the public and the media."
Brogren has taken to his Twitter.com page to acknowledge the reports, writing, "Sad day for Degrassi. Rip Neil."
Meanwhile, Stephen Stohn, an executive producer on the show, also tweeted, "We have respected the privacy of the family by not saying anything until now, but our entire team is very emotional about his passing."
Hope shot to fame in the 1980s on Degrassi Junior High and reprised his role with appearances on Degrassi High, Degrassi: The Next Generation, and Degrassi Talks. A memorial is being planned for May (12).