Kyle Jean-Baptiste Dead: ‘Les Miserables’ Broadway Star Dies After Falling Off NYC Fire Escape

A rising Broadway star has lost his life after falling from a fire escape in New York City. Les Miserables star, Kyle Jean-Baptiste, 21, reportedly died Friday night. He was the first African-American to play the lead in the famous play.

Following the horrific news, a spokesperson for the production, Marc Thibodeau, said, "The entire Les Miserables 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."

Jean-Baptiste's roles in Les Miserables were that of the Constable and Courfeyrace. He called the lead role of Jean Valjean – for which he was an understudy – a "dream role." He later made his first appearance as Jean Valjean this past July 23.

Join us as we congratulate @BaptisteKyle on his Jean Valjean debut! #LesMizBway https://t.co/0LJ27aiEo0 pic.twitter.com/iDuKyue7Hq

— Les Misérables (@LesMizBway) July 27, 2015

The star later called the night "of the best" nights of his life.

Immediately following the sad news, his memory was honored on Twitter.

"A remarkable young talent and tremendous person who made magic - and history - in his Broadway debut." pic.twitter.com/144astegXh — Les Misérables (@LesMizBway) August 29, 2015

The lights on Broadway are dimmer tonight as we lost one of our own. RIP Kyle Jean-Baptiste.

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 30, 2015

RIP Kyle Jean-Baptiste. 1st black Valjean on Broadway. See him with Lin Manuel two weeks ago https://t.co/Xh2B6077uv — Baratunde (@baratunde) August 30, 2015

Tonight we at @lesmisofficial performed with @LesMizBway & the family of Kyle Jean-Baptiste in our thoughts & hearts. Xx

— Rob Houchen (@robhouchen) August 29, 2015

R.I.P. Kyle Jean-Baptiste. Gone way too soon. All my thoughts & prayers are with his family & the cast of @LesMizBway. — Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) August 29, 2015