Andy Garcia has paid tribute to slain American football star Sean Taylor, hailing him a "hero" for protecting his girlfriend - and the actor's niece - Jackie Garcia on the night of his murder.

The Washington Redskins player, 24, died on Tuesday morning after he was shot near his home in Miami, Florida on Monday.

Taylor was spending time with his girlfriend and their 18-month-old daughter, also called Jackie, on Monday night when they heard loud noises coming from outside their house. Taylor went to investigate the disturbance while Jackie and the baby hid in the bedroom, according to People.com.

But Taylor was gunned down before he could get back to his family. And the Ocean's Thirteen star has expressed his sorrow at his niece's loss.

He says, "Sean was known to many as an extraordinary athlete and unquestionable teammate.

"To those of us who had the good fortune to count him as a member of our extended family, we will always remember him as a caring and loving individual."

Police in Miami-Dade have launched an investigation into the star's death, and are looking into the possibility of the attack being a burglary gone wrong.

No one has been arrested as yet on suspicion of the crime.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)