The Patriot actress Sky McCole Bartusiak has died aged 21

Helen McCole Bartusiak told CNN news: "We lost our girl. We think she had a seizure and choked and nobody was there.

"They were working on her for 45 minutes and could not get a heartbeat. She was a kind and really beautiful girl."

Child star Sky had appeared in movies including 'The Cider House Rules', 'Don't Say a Word' and 'Boogeyman' as well as landing roles on TV shows including '24', 'Lost' and 'House M.D.'

Abigail Breslin, also a child star and a close friend of Sky, paid tribute on Twitter, writing: "One of my very good friends and someone who was like a sister to me, Skye McCole Bartusiak passed away today. So devastated."

Roland Emmerich, who was the director and producer of 'The Patriot' also sent his condolences, writing: "This is not the kind of news you want to begin your day with. RIP sweet Skye McCole Bartusiak.”