Chase Stokes mourns 'Outer Banks' replacement AJ Jennings: 'My heart is broken'

Chase Stokes is mourning the death of his friend and 'Outer Banks' replacement, 22-year-old Alexander Jennings, who was killed in a hit-and-run early Tuesday morning. "It is with great sadness that I share on Tuesday the mother of Alexander 'AJ' Jennings who informed me of his tragic death," Kimmie Stewart Casting shared in a Facebook post on July 5. pinned down by two cars, which fled the scene early this morning. AJ was a beautiful, kind soul and a bright light every day on set."

"I wish I had more words to say now, but it's been a tough day to say the least."

On July 6, Stokes, who worked closely with Jennings, shared a tribute to the late actor and model on his Instagram Stories. "Always trying to figure out why certain things happen and why the world works the way it does," he wrote. "My heart is broken. Your life was just beginning. We JUST talked about your enthusiasm for your tracks, how far you've come with that old 6-string, and your desire to keep creating art. You're so selfless. J 'd like to have more words to say now, but the past day has been difficult to say the least."

The Charleston County Sheriff's Office confirmed Jennings' death in a news release, saying a pedestrian was walking down the road in North Charleston, SC, around 2:30 a.m. when he was hit by two vehicles that fled the area, according to witness testimony. Prior to his death, Jennings was filming the third season of "Outer Banks," where he worked as a stand-in and photo double for Stokes' character, John B.

"I cannot understand the shock and tragedy of the sudden loss of AJ and our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time," the casting agency continued. "I understand this message may be difficult to process for those of you who met and became quick friends with AJ. . . . This amazing human and his infectious smile will be sorely missed."

After sharing his grief over the loss of his friend and colleague, Stokes added: "We all love you, you touched all of our lives and made us better people, and for that, thank you AJ. Fly high my angel."