The on-again, off-again boyfriend of Samantha Who actress Christina Applegate has been found dead in his apartment. 26-year-old Lee Grivas apparently died of a drug overdose, though official autopsy results haven’t been released yet. Applegate had been dating Grivas for over two years.

Some very sad news for Christina Applegate. E! News has confirmed that an investigation is under way into the circumstances surrounding the death of 26-year-old Lee Grivas, an aspiring photographer who had been dating the Samantha Who? star off and on for more than two years.

“I am profoundly saddened,” Applegate said in a statement to E! News. “Lee was an incredible human being who was an extremely important and beautiful part of my life. He is missed beyond words. He touched so many and I feel much sadness for his mother, brother and all of his family and friends.”

“We’re very happy with each other,” Grivas, told People in 2006. “I like making her smile and she likes making me smile. It’s really innocent and fun.”

[From E! News]

The National Enquirer says that Grivas’ body was found by his neighbor on Tuesday and he was pronounced dead early that evening. They have a little additional information on Grivas’ life and death.

Lee Grivas, was found dead of an apparent heroin overdose. Grivas — a fisherman, skateboarder and aspiring photographer — died July 1. A source close to Grivas told The National Enquirer: “Lee also had a long history of drug problems, dating back to his teen years. Christina broke up with him a number of times because of his struggles with getting clean. She loved him, but couldn’t stand by and watch him ruin his life.”

After the lovers reunited in April, Grivas left Christina in a last-ditch bid to get sober, according to the source. “Christina loved Lee dearly and even dreamed of starting a family with him,” the insider told The National Enquirer. “Unfortunately, Lee’s battle with drugs got the better of him. Christina is still in complete shock. He was just so young!”

[From the National Enquirer]

What an incredibly sad story. Our hearts go out to Lee’s friends and family.

Here are Christina Applegate and Lee Grivas leaving the Petrossian Paris Boutique & Cafe in Los Angeles while Christina hides under a black sweatshirt on April 23rd. Images thanks to WENN.