Actor Benji Gregory, a former child star best known for his role as Brian Tanner on the 1980s NBC sitcom ALF, was found dead at the age of 46 inside his car in Arizona last month, his sister, Rebecca, told TMZ on Wednesday (July 10).

Gregory was located in a Chase Bank parking lot in Peoria alongside his service dog, Hans, who also died in the vehicle, on June 13. Temperatures in Peoria were reported to have reached up to 107 degrees on the date of Gregory's death, which is officially listed by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office.

The former child star's cause of death hasn't yet been determined, however, his family believes he succumbed to vehicular heatstroke. Rebecca also told TMZ that her brother suffered from depression, bipolar disorder and a sleep disorder causing him to stay awake for multiple days.

Gregory reportedly deposited a residual check at a bank near the location of his death one day prior, according to TMZ. The actor played Brian Tanner in ALF for 101 episodes from 1986 to 1990 and made appearances on other popular sitcoms including the A-Team, T.J. Hooker and Punky Brewster.

Gregory also appeared in the films Jumpin' Jack Flash and Mr. Boogedy.

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According to new research, owning a dog is good for you both physically and mentally.

Scientific Reports say that owning a dog can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease due to physical activity while walking a dog.

In addition, having a dog around can help prevent depression by increasing levels of neurochemicals in the brain linked to bonding and positivity.

During the lockdown due to the pandemic, many are reaping the benefits of turning to a man’s best friend during these difficult times.