Fans of the hit 80s TV show "Alf" were saddened this week to learn of the passing of one of the show's most popular and beloved characters. 

According to People, Benji Gregory, who played Brian Tanner in the legendary television show, died at age 46.

His older sister, Rebecca Hertzberg-Pfaffinger, confirmed her brother's death in a statement.

He was reportedly found in his vehicle in the parking lot of a Chase Bank in Arizona, according to officials.

What's going on?

His sister wrote, "It is with a heavy heart my family has suffered a loss way too early."

"Ben was a great Son, Brother and Uncle. He was fun to be around and made us laugh quite often. Still, going through his things, I find myself laughing at little videos or notes of his, in between crying," she continued.

She provided some details about how and where her brother was discovered.

"My brother Ben was found in his car, along with his beloved service dog Hans, deceased on June 13," she continued. "We believe he went there the evening of the 12th to deposit some residuals. (Found in his car) and never got out of the car to do so. He fell asleep and died from vehicular heatstroke."

ICYMI: Benji Gregory -- best known as the child star on the sitcom "Alf" -- has passed away 💔🕊️

All we know: https://t.co/XWThVSdvBY pic.twitter.com/KizCp3r1Dv

— TMZ (@TMZ) July 11, 2024

The late actor's sister said in an interview that he "faced depression, bipolar disorder and a sleep disorder that kept him awake for days."

Tributes and a legacy

People noted Gregory's success as a child actor:

The late actor rose to fame playing Brian Tanner in 101 episodes of ALF from 1986 to 1990. It followed the title character — whose acronym stands for “Alien Life Form” but is actually named Gordon Shumway — after he crashed into the garage of the Tanner family’s suburban home. Puppeteer Paul Fusco, who co-created the series with Tom Patchett, was behind the iconic performance.

Many across social media, including friends, posted tributes and remembered the actor.

"This hurts. Benji Gregory was a sweet, down to earth child actor and when us teens were partying, he was a straight edged skater. I'll never forget he wrote in my yearbook 'Hope you become Miss America someday,'" one X user wrote. 

The medical examiner's results are still pending.