AceShowbiz -

The first African-American and youngest actor to play the role of Jean Valjean on Broadway's "Les Miserables" tragically died at the age of 21. Kyle Jean-Baptiste passed away on Friday, August 28 after falling from a fire escape following the show's evening performance.

The show's representative Marc Thibodeau called it a "tragic accident", adding "The entire 'Les Misérables' 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. We send our deepest condolences to his family and ask that you respect their privacy in this unimaginably difficult time."

New York Police Department investigated the incident and believed it was accidental. Police said Jean-Baptiste was sitting on a fourth-floor fire escape of an apartment in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn with a 23-year-old woman that night. He stood up, slipped and fell backward. The official cause of death will be determined later by medical examiner.

Jean-Baptiste joined the Broadway cast in May as an understudy, only a day after graduating with a degree in music theater from Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio. He made his debut as black Jean Valjane on July 23. "Thank you for all the love! Last night was one of the best nights of my life," he tweeted at that time. On August 25, he tweeted, "Thursday is my last Valjean on broadway. The ability to play this part on Broadway has been life changing. I'm so greatful."

This is the second revival of "Les Miserables" on Broadway. According to Playbill.com, Ramin Karimloo, who plays Jean Valjean in the musical, will give a speech at the curtain call of the August 29 matinee performance.

Many stars sent their condolences for the young actor. Kristin Chenoweth tweeted, "RIP Kyle Jean-Baptiste. My love and hugs to his family. And the cast of @LesMiserables". Josh Groban also tweeted, "He was just getting started. So sad. My condolences as well to family and cast".