Lisa Sheridan death: CSI actress found dead at her home, aged 44

The family of US actress Lisa Sheridan have ruled out suicide after she was found dead at her home in New Orleans.

Sheridan, who appeared in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Invasion, passed away on Monday, aged 44.

Her manager Mitch Clem confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE and said her family are currently waiting to find out the cause of death.

“We all loved Lisa very much and are devastated by the loss we all feel,” Clem said. “She passed away Monday morning, at home, in her apartment in New Orleans. We are waiting for a coroner’s report on cause of death.”

He continued: “The family has unequivocally confirmed that this is not a suicide. Any suggestion to the contrary is absolutely, 100 per cent unfounded.”

Tributes poured in from fans and former co-stars including actress Donna D’Errico, who worked with Sheridan on the 2015 film Only God Can.

She described her as a “kind, gentle soul” who was “truly one of the most genuinely sweet and gentle people I’ve ever come across in my life”.

Alongside a picture of the pair she wrote: “I am devastated by this loss. I had just spoken with her and everything seemed great and she seemed happy and in good spirits. Everyone who knew her loved and adored her. Goodbye and goodnight sweet angel...I will miss you terribly. Please send up prayers for her family.”

Filmmaker Michael Dunaway also paid tribute to Sheridan who would call him “big brother” and was a “central part” of his life.

Alongside a black and white headshot he wrote: “She was beautiful, obviously, and an immensely talented actor, and a wonderful friend, but more than anything she really did radiate this impossibly bright energy and life.”

He finished: “No one will ever again be to me what you were, and are. I love you with all my heart, yesterday, today, and forever. Sorry that I can’t write more; it’s just still too painful.”

Sheridan had a handful of film credits to her name as well as roles in TV shows including the CSI franchise, Without A Trace, Freaky Links and Legacy.