Child porn case: Glee star Mark Salling found dead aged 35

Glee star Mark Salling has been found dead aged 35. Photo / AP

Mark Salling has died of an apparent suicide, reports TMZ.

The Glee star's body was found on Tuesday in the Los Angeles River near Sunland where he had a home. He was 35 at the time of his death.

Salling was awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty in December to possessing child pornographythe Daily Mail reports.

The actor had told the judge he was on medication for depression during his hearing.

Prosecutors and Salling had agreed to ask a judge to sentence the actor to between four to seven years in prison.

The 35-year-old would also have been required to register as a sex offender, pay restitution and abide by residency restrictions.

Authorities were reportedly tipped off by one of Salling's ex-girlfriends and he was arrested in December 2015 before being released on $20,000 bail.

Lieutenant Andrea Grossman, commander of the LAPD Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, said at the time: "It doesn't matter who you are or what you do, if you hurt a child you will be held accountable."

She added: "These images are more than photographs, they are child abuse."

The actor reached a plea agreement with prosecutors in October as opposed to the maximum 20-year sentence the charge carries. He admitted he possessed images of prepubescent children between the ages of 3 and 5.

The agreement states a search warrant found more than 50,000 images of child porn on Salling's computer and a thumb drive downloaded between April 2015 and December 2015.

Salling was previously sued by his ex-girlfriend Roxanne Gorzela for sexual battery.

Gorzela claimed he forced her to have unprotected sex with him and later, when she confronted him over his actions, Salling allegedly pushed her to the ground and caused injury to her knees.

The pair settled the case for a reported $2.7 million when Salling admitted to causing her to fall and injure herself through negligence.

He is best known for playing bad boy Noah "Puck" Puckerman on the Fox musical dramedy Glee.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.