Quinton Aaron is "alert, aware and recovering" as he remains in hospital after suffering a "spinal stroke"

In a statement given to TMZ.com, the 41-year-old actor's relatives explained: "We acknowledge that you've heard about Quinton Aaron's condition. We appreciate the overwhelming love, support and prayers that Quinton has received over the past few days from his fans, the public, and our concerned community ...

"To update everyone, he had a spinal stroke. He is alert, aware and recovering."

The statement added: "The Aaron family has a lot to deal with for the betterment of their loved one, but will be sure to keep everyone posted regarding Quinton's health as we see fit.

"To be clear, any other information that you hear pertaining to Quinton's health from any other source that isn't coming directly from his official blood relative family, that will come in the form of their appointed chosen spokesperson and life long friend Liana Mendoza, is not to be taken as factual information.

"We kindly ask the public to please respect the decisions we make and to please understand that false information or statements may be made by others who continue to come forward but are not fully informed or aware of all of the facts surrounding his condition nor are they authorized to do so."

It comes after previous reports suggested doctors had found a rare cyst on the actor's spine.

TMZ previously reported Quinton was undergoing tests to see if the screen star would require back surgery.

Quinton's family are raising money to cover his medical via a GoFundMe page and they gave an update on his condition. An update on the page said: "Quinton has opened his eyes and has some feeling in his foot! He is still on life support and going through tests.

"We are looking at quite a recovery time and will need a wheelchair when he is released while he goes through therapy to walk again.

"Thank you to all of you for your support and prayers."

Originally, the page confirmed that he had been hospitalised and was "on life support", while the situation was described "sudden, frightening, and overwhelming for his loved ones".

The post on the page continued: "As he fights for his life, his family is facing an immense emotional and financial burden - medical expenses, living costs, and the uncertainty of how long this road to recovery may be.

"When someone is this critically ill, life doesn't pause. Bills don't stop. Expenses continue to pile up. And no family should have to choose between focusing on their loved one's survival and worrying about how they will make it through financially. That's why we are asking for help."