Benji Gregory, former child star of the sitcom ALF, was found dead in his car alongside his service dog in a Peoria, Arizona, parking lot on June 13, amidst record high temperatures.

Gregory, who was 46, gained prominence for his role as Brian Tanner on the 1980s sitcom ALF. The actor had battled mental health challenges, including depression and bipolar disorder, which his family believes may have contributed to his tragic death from vehicular heatstroke on a day when temperatures soared to 107 degrees. His death has prompted his family to encourage fans to donate to the Actors Equity Foundation or the ASPCA in his memory.

Gregory's sister, Rebecca, confirmed that his body was discovered in the parking lot of a Chase Bank in Peoria, Arizona. Authorities indicate that Gregory's official date of death is June 13, coinciding with the sweltering temperatures of that day. His service dog, Hans, who was a constant companion and support to Gregory, was also found deceased in the vehicle.

Peoria experienced a peak temperature of 107 degrees on the day Gregory died. This extreme heat, combined with Gregory's pre-existing health conditions, has led his family to suspect that vehicular heatstroke was the cause of his death. Vehicular heatstroke occurs when a person or animal is trapped in a hot car, leading to a dangerous rise in body temperature. This case underlines the severe dangers posed by leaving individuals or pets inside vehicles during high temperatures.

Benji Gregory's career began at a young age. He is best known for his role as the young Brian Tanner in the NBC sitcom ALF, which aired from 1986 to 1990. Gregory participated in 101 episodes of the show, which followed the lives of the Tanner family and their extraterrestrial houseguest, ALF. This role solidified Gregory's place in pop culture history during the late 1980s.

In addition to ALF, Gregory had numerous roles in other television series and films. His credits include appearances in popular shows such as The A-Team, The Twilight Zone, T.J. Hooker, and the animated series Fantastic Max. He was also featured in Disney's made-for-TV movie Mr. Boogedy, the pilot episode of Fenster Hall, and the film Jumpin' Jack Flash.

After leaving the entertainment industry, Gregory made a significant career shift by enlisting in the US Navy in 2003. He served as an aerographer's mate, a role involving meteorological and oceanographic duties, until his honorable discharge in 2005. This service marked a critical period in Gregory's life, demonstrating his versatility and willingness to serve his country.

Despite his varied career and initial fame, Gregory struggled with significant mental health issues. He was diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, and a sleep disorder. These conditions, well-documented by his family, added layers of complexity to his life. His challenges with mental health were a constant battle, and his family believes they played a role in the circumstances leading up to his death.

In light of Gregory's passing, his sister Rebecca has urged fans to honor his memory by contributing to causes that mattered to him. She suggested donations to the Actors Equity Foundation, which supports actors in financial distress, and the ASPCA, a society dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. These organizations reflect the intersections of Gregory's professional life and his love for his service dog, Hans.

Gregory’s last known social media activity was a post on April 10, where he shared an image of a sidewalk. This mundane post contrasts sharply with the tragedy that unfolded two months later. While his social media presence was not highly active, this final post remains a point of reflection for his fans and loved ones.

Benji Gregory's early fame, combined with his later struggles, reminds many of the complexities faced by child actors. His death has sparked discussions around the importance of mental health support.