General Hospital actor Tyler Christopher dies aged 50

General Hospital's Tyler Christopher has passed away at the age of 50 and tributes are pouring in online.

The actor - full name Tyler Christopher Baker - was well known and loved for his role as Nikolas Cassadine, which he played in the medical soap opera from 1996 to 2016.

He later returned from 2004 to 2005 as Connor Bishop.

The 50-year-old passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest at his apartment in San Diego, his death confirmed by General Hospital co-star Maurice Benard on Instagram.

Christopher won several awards for his portrayal of Cassadine in General Hospital.

In 1997, he won 'Best Newcomer' at the Soap Opera Digest Award and 'Outstanding Performer in a Television Series' as part of the First Americans in the Arts Award.

And in 1998, he was one of the TV Guide's '12 Hottest Daytime stars' as well as winning 'Outstanding Performer in a Television Series' in the First Americans in the Arts Award.

Christopher's role in General Hospital even led him to win a Daytime Emmy Award in 2016 for 'Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series'.

The actor also featured on shows such as Days of Our Lives and The Twilight Zone.

And his co-stars, fans and friends have been flooding to social media to commemorate him.

Baker's General Hospital co-star Maurice Benard took to Instagram to confirm the news of Christopher's passing.

He wrote: "It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Tyler Christopher. Tyler passed away this morning following a cardiac event in his San Diego apartment.

"Tyler was a truly talented individual that lit up the screen in every scene he performed and relished bringing joy to his loyal fans through his acting. Tyler was a sweet soul and wonderful friend to all of those who knew him.

"Tyler was an advocate for better mental health and substance use treatment who openly spoke about his struggles with bipolar depression and alcohol.

"We are beyond devastated by the loss of our dear friend and pray for his children and his father."

A fan of the actor took to X - formerly known as Twitter - to share a clip from General Hospital.

The caption reads: "A powerhouse clip of Tyler Christopher from his 43rd Daytime Emmy reel that landed him his final Outstanding Lead Actor win for #GH. Every word, every expression, filled with raw, authentic devastation. I was so moved by the depth in his performance."

Executive Producer of General Hospital, Frank Valentini, gave a statement to PEOPLE.

He said: "I am heartbroken over the news of Tyler Christopher’s passing. He was kind, an incredible actor, and dear friend, who was beloved by our GH family and fans of Nikolas Cassadine.

"On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, our heartfelt sympathies go out to his loved ones during this difficult time."

Christopher leaves behind two children, Greysun James and Boheme, who he shares with ex-wife Brienne Pedigo.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.

You can also call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 at the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline.