first african-american and youngest person ever to pray the role of jean val jean has died. 21-year-old kyle jeanfell from a fire escape friday night. this is how the cast, crew and audiences resist reacting to the shocking lost -- shocking loss. rrvetion with his commanding voice and range. it didn't take kyle jean baptist top wow them with les mis, this is his audition tape. cast as the youngest person and first african-american to play the lead of jean val jean, he fell from a brooklyn fire escape. >> it is sad. you take a look at someone who has the opportunity. and obviously he was 21 years-old and already objecttowned such a point where they want to get in their career. >> they were shocked and saddened by the news of this bright star. >> it is obviously a great show and just tragic that he should die so young and part of this. >> they released the following statement. the entire les mis family is shocked beloss of -- by the loss of kyle. he made magic in his history of his debut. we send our condolences to the family. >> really, this is a great show to be a part of and for the first africa