The Comedy World Mourns The Shocking Loss Of ‘Broad City’ Writer And ‘Rel’ Creator Kevin Barnett

The comedy world was shocked on Tuesday when it learned comedian and writer Kevin Barnett had died at age 32.

Barnett was beloved in the comedy world and the loss hit across the Los Angeles comedy scene and well beyond. He co-created the new Fox comedy Rel along with Lil Rel Howery and Josh Rabinowitz and, as Deadline reports, Barnett had a well-established career as a comedy writer and actor.

Barnett previously was a series regular on MTV2’s Guy Code, a writer for Comedy Central’s Broad City, Fox’s Unhitched, The Eric Andre Show Show (Adult Swim) and the animated Lucas Bros Moving Co. (Fox). He also co-wrote the 2011 feature Hall Pass and made appearances on Adam Devine’s House Party as well as in Funny As Hell (HBO) and Top Five (written and directed by Chris Rock).

Barnett was also the co-host of the popular podcast Roundtable of Gentleman and a frequent guest on Last Podcast on the Left whose host, Ben Kissel, posted this note on Twitter earlier this afternoon.

— Ben Kissel (@BenKissel) January 22, 2019

News of Barnett’s sudden death sent shockwaves through the comedy scene. Comedy Central’s official Twitter account posted an in memoriam to Barnett on Tuesday shortly after news broke.

— Comedy Central (@ComedyCentral) January 22, 2019

Other comedians added their condolences as well.

— Sam Morril (@sammorril) January 22, 2019

We all will miss @Fatboybarnett, anybody who met the dude fell in love with him except for some audiences. It is unspeakably sad. We love you so much Bird Luger

— Henry Zebrowski (@HenryLovesYou) January 22, 2019

.@Fatboybarnett truly one of the best people I will ever know. Heartbroken. https://t.co/0H3naY3sCm

— Sean O'Connor (@seanoconnz) January 22, 2019

Two days ago I was at a bar talking with a friend about how bright a future @Fatboybarnett had. A tragedy. pic.twitter.com/4Ch6nxYmhT

— Max Silvestri (@maxsilvestri) January 22, 2019

RIH To my man @Fatboybarnett pic.twitter.com/iCmQBAZxbQ

— Clark Jones “First of All” out NOW (@theeclarkjones) January 22, 2019

I texted Kevin a few years ago out of the blue “wanna go to Hawaii” and he’s the only person I’ve ever known who would just respond “let’s do it.” This photo was the next day.

He was the nicest/funniest/meanest/best friend a person could ever hope to have. I love @Fatboybarnett pic.twitter.com/0M0OPoJXHX

— Brooks Wheelan (@brookswheelan) January 22, 2019

— Jeremy Wein (@thismyshow) January 22, 2019

Binge-listened to Roundtable during some rough times and no one made me laugh like Kevin. Legit joined the Audubon Society because of him. Sending so much love to all of you today.

— Christine Callie (@Callietrees) January 22, 2019

Kevin Barnett was the greatest, most positive fucking dude, and this is absolutely tragic.

— Adam Newman (@Adam_Newman) January 22, 2019

Thanks for being so friendly off-stage. You were a great example of how to work hard and maintain a chill attitude. ❤️ Love and peace to your family. pic.twitter.com/iFEN733fiz

— Abbi Crutchfield (@curlycomedy) January 22, 2019

It’s unclear how Barnett died at this time. His last post on social media was from Mexico on Sunday.