Former child star Benji Gregory dies aged 46 after being found in parking lot

Much-loved child TV star Benji Gregory has died at the age of 46.

As per TMZ, the actor was found dead in his car in the parking lot of a Chase Bank in Peoria, Arizona, on June 13.

Those closest to Gregory believe that he was visiting the bank to deposit checks when he fell asleep in his vehicle.

Temperatures in Arizona rose as high as 109 degrees the day before.

TMZ reported that his service dog, Hans, was also found deceased.

Benji Gregory has died aged 46. (Instagram/@benji_gregory)

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office has since told ABC7 Los Angeles that his cause of death is still pending.

Gregory's older sister, Rebecca Hertzberg, told TMZ that he had depression, bipolar disorder and a sleep disorder that kept him awake for days.

Gregory, of course, rose to fame playing Brian Tanner in 101 episodes of ALF from 1986 to 1990.

The star was interviewed by People in 2000, where he reflected on his work in the show.

He said: "The only times it felt like work was when the lights were on, and it was real hot."

The title character, whose acronym stands for 'Alien Life Form', crashes into the garage of the Tanner family’s suburban home.

And that's where the story of ALF begins, with Paul Fusco, who co-created the series with Tom Patchett, behind the legendary performance.

The actor played Brian Tanner in ALF (top left). (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Gregory also made appearances in a bunch of other TV shows, including The A-Team, T.J. Hooker, Fantasy Island and The Twilight Zone - all of which he appeared in the 1980s and 1990s.

Gregory also lent his voice to various characters in animated series.

The most notable one is arguably Fantastic Max, in which the late actor voiced Ben.

Gregory has featured as himself in the television series The More You Know, the children's game show I’m Telling!, and even making a cameo in an episode of Fun House.

Gregory pictured with his beloved dog. (Instagram/@benji_gregory)

He decided to step away from Hollywood relatively early into his career to pursue other interests.

Gregory even had a stint in the US Navy, enlisting in 2003 before graduating to become an aerographer’s mate, specializing in meteorology and oceanography.

And Gregory's talents didn't stop there, as he used his expertise in that area to provide forecasts and warnings for aviation and nautical safety.

Many people have taken to social media to share tributes to the late star.

One wrote: "Condolences to his family and loved ones."

Another added: "Sad to hear, that was a great show. RIP."

While someone else commented: "This hurts. Benji Gregory was a sweet, down to earth child actor and when us teens were partying, he was a straight edged skater. I'll never forget he wrote in my yearbook 'Hope you become Miss America someday'."