Hilary Duff posts emotional tribute to ex-boyfriend Aaron Carter in wake of shock death

Hilary Duff has penned a sad, final message to her ex-boyfriend Aaron Carter only hours after his death.

The two child stars dated as teenagers from 2000 to 2003 at the height of their acting and musical careers.

Carter also appeared as a special guest on an episode of Disney's Lizzie McGuire in 2001, of which Duff was the star.

Duff wrote: "For Aaron - I’m deeply sorry that life was so hard for you and that you had to struggle in front of the whole world."

"You had a charm that was absolutely effervescent... boy did my teenage self love you deeply," she said.

"Sending love to your family at this time."

The singer and TV personality was the younger brother of Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter, and had previously opened for the pop group on a number of tours as well as enjoying a successful solo career.

In a statement to The Independent, Carter's family said they were 'extremely saddened and shocked to confirm' the loss of their loved one.

They added: "At the moment his cause of death is being investigated."

Nick Carter said: "Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for a loss, but the truth is that addiction and mental illness are the real villains here. I will miss my brother more than anyone will ever know."

Aaron's twin, Angel Carter, also posted a heartbreaking farewell to social media.

"My funny, sweet Aaron. I have so many memories of you and I, and I promise to cherish them. I know you’re at peace now. I will carry you with me until the day I die and get to see you again," she wrote on Instagram.

Several other celebrities and musicians have posted tributes to the child star who struggled with addiction in his later years.

Boy band *NSYNC, who were the musical rivals of Nick Carter's The Backstreet Boys, penned a tribute on Twitter.

"We are saddened by the news of the sudden passing of Aaron Carter today. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans during this difficult time. Rest In Peace Aaron."

Singer Mo County said: "Being a child star is rough and unfortunately many don't come out unscathed. RIP Aaron Carter."

As tributes start to roll in, so has commentary on his life, mental health, and battle with addiction.

Despite online chatter starting to kick off, some have pushed back on the trolls already turning Carter's death into a farce.

One Twitter user said: "Aaron Carter won’t see your ugly, ignorant tweets about addiction but your friends/family will. Addiction, of any kind, is never a choice. If someone loses their battle with it, don’t be an asshole and joke for ‘clout’ - you never know who you might be hurting."