'Glee' alumni urge compassion after death of Mark Salling

Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Alumni of TV's Glee urged compassion over the news that one of the show's stars died in an apparent suicide as he awaited sentencing on charges of possessing child pornography.

Tim Davis, a producer on the show, expressed his love for Mark Salling, who played Noah "Puck" Puckerman from 2009 to 2015.

"Yes, he committed crimes against children. Yes, it's horrific. But #MarkSalling was a broken man, no doubt an abuse victim himself. I loved Mark, and am sad when I consider the devastation of his parents. Please withhold your cruel comments," Davis tweeted.

Iqbal Theba, who played Principal Figgins on Glee, echoed that compassion.

"His death is painful for me. Some of u might know him for only his flaws but I also knew him as someone who was great to work with & was kind to my kids. I truly wish he'd fought his demons & atoned himself & came out a winner. May we all find solace in some of his gentler memories," Theba tweeted.

Salling, 35, was awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography in October. He faced four to seven years in prison as part of the plea bargain. He was found dead Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Glee star Jane Lynch told TMZ she will remember him "as the guy who made that really sweet video at the beginning of Glee when he was so happy to be a part of this group."

Matthew Morrison shared on Instagram a photo of himself, Salling and and former co-star Corey Monteith, who died in 2013 of a drug overdose, alongside a caption that featured angel emojis.

Monteith was 31 when he died.