The boy from the series "Alf" died at only 46

The former child star Benji Gregory, known for his role in the world famous series "Alf", died tragically at the age of 46.

Gregory, who played Brian Tanner on the '80s sitcom that ran from 1986-1990, was found dead in his car with his dog Hans in a Chase Bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona.

Gregory's sister, Rebecca, told TMZ that Gregory suffered from depression, bipolar disorder and had a sleep disorder that "often kept him awake for days”.

However, those close to him believe he went to the bank to deposit checks and fell asleep in his car, dying of heatstroke. The Maricopa County Coroner's Office has not yet determined the cause of death.

The cult series "Alf" ran for four seasons and also starred Max Wright, Anne Schedin and Andrea Elson.

The NBC sitcom revolves around the Tanner family, a middle-class suburban family living in the San Fernando Valley area of California, who take in Alf after he crashes in their garage.

The series shows how the Tanner family does their best to hide the alien from nosy neighbors and government agencies. Gregory was only eight years old when he became famous through the series.

Gregory was born in Los Angeles in 1978 as his father, uncle and sister are also actors. His television appearances include Fantastic Max, The A-Team, T.J. Hooker and The Twilight Zone.