A CHILD star best known for playing Mel Gibson’s daughter in “The Patriot” died at her home in Texas on Friday. She was 21.

    Skye McCole Bartusiak’s longtime friend Abigail Breslin confirmed reports of the actress’ death. “One of my very good friends and someone who was like a sister to me, Skye McCole Bartusiak passed away today. So devastated,” the “Little Miss Sunshine” actress wrote on Twitter.

    Bartusiak was found dead in her Texas home, according to TMZ. The cause of death has not been determined but it has been reported that she passed away in her sleep in her family’s home.

    The actress was 7 when she was cast in the role of Susan Martin in “The Patriot.” She went on to have roles in “The Cider House Rules” in 1999, “Don’t Say a Word” opposite Michael Douglas in 2001 and “Sick Boy” in 2012. She was also in Fox’s “24.” On stage, she played Helen Keller opposite Hilary Swank in a 2003 production of “The Miracle Worker.”

    Sources say the actress struggled after appearing in “The Patriot,” trying to establish herself in Hollywood.

    (SD-Agencies)