Child Star Skye McCole Bartusiak, Played Mel Gibson's Daughter, Heath Ledger Sister In ' The Patriot' Dead At 21 (PHOTO)

Child star Skye McCole Bartusiak, best known for her role as Mel Gibson's youngest daughter in the 2000 Revolutionary War film, The Patriot. She was just 21 years old.

TMZ broke the news that Skye died at her Texas home on July 18. Fire department officials have confirmed they were called out to a garage apartment behind the main house. Skye was already dead by the time she was found.

Although the coroner has reportedly already conducted an autopsy on the body, the cause of death is not yet known. However, no foul play is suspected and it appears she died in her sleep.

Skye worked as a stage, screen and TV actress. She had a recurring role as Megan Matheson in the show 24 and did made appearances in CSI, Lost, Touched by An Angel, House and George Lopez.

The Texas native also appeared in The Cider House Rules (1999), Don't Say a Word (2001) and Boogeyman (2005). Her most recent film was the indie, Sick Boy (2012).

According to her IMDB page, she was starring in and producing shorts - the most recent, in 2013, was called Frame of Reference.

A spokesperson for the family told Deadline Skye was "a brave and caring young woman" who is "deeply missed by her family and friends."

Skye is the second actor from The Patriot to die young - movie brother Heath Ledger passed away from an accidental overdose to prescription drugs in 2008.

To see Skye in her best known role, watch below: