Drake Bell pays emotional tribute to ex-girlfriend Stevie Ryan: “Please wake me from this nightmare”

Drake Bell has paid tribute to ex-girlfriend Stevie Ryan following her death, saying that he “can’t believe” she is gone.

The former child star, now 31, said he was “crushed” by news that the actress and comic had been found dead at her LA home on Saturday.

“No no no!!!! I can NOT BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING!!!! Please wake me from this nightmare @StevieRyan I loved you and will forever miss you,” he wrote underneath a photo of the pair.

He later added: “This is too much. My heart is crushed. @StevieRyan I love you and miss you…”

The two dated briefly from 2005 to 2006 but are thought to have remained close.

The Los Angeles Coroner’s Office has confirmed that Ryan was found dead on July 1 from a suspected suicide.

Just a few days before her death, Ryan tweeted about losing her grandfather, writing: “The man of my dreams will now only be in my dreams. I'll miss you everyday, forever. I love you my Pa.”

On Instagram, she added: "My dream man who I will only see in my dreams. I'll meet you in Percebo, soon. I love you my Papa."

Ryan was known for her viral YouTubes video, in which she played characters including Little Loca and Sceney Sceneable.

Her impressions of stars such as Justin Bieber, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga were also popular, racking up millions of hits on the video-sharing site.

After her videos caught the attention of television producers, she moved from Victorville to Los Angeles where she fronted her own VH1 show, Stevie TV.

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123, visit a local Samaritans branch or visit them online at http://www.samaritans.org.