'Martin' Star Tommy Ford Dead at 52

Tommy Ford -- who played Tommy on the '90s hit show "Martin" -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

Tommy passed away Wednesday in an Atlanta hospital surrounded by family and friends.

As we reported, Ford had been on life support after an aneurysm ruptured in his abdomen. He was initially hospitalized Sunday, and his health had declined since. Family made the decision to turn off support this afternoon.

Ford played Martin Lawrence's best friend for all 5 seasons of the show. Co-star Carl Payne arrived at Ford's bedside on Wednesday morning. He tells us, "On behalf of the family, we would like to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers." He says the family will announce funeral arrangements at a later date.

He was 52.