A friend of George Stroumboulopoulos was killed at the TV and radio personality’s Los Angeles home early Friday during an apparent robbery attempt.
The victim has been identified as Richard Hong, 41, a Canadian actor based in LA.
“I only have a few details but it seems like it was the result of a break in,” Stroumboulopoulos said in a statement.
“The victim was a dear friend of mine, who was staying at my place while I was away. I am heartbroken.”
Stroumboulopoulos has rented the home for nearly 10 years. He was in New York City at the time of the homicide.
“I am writing this from a plane en route to Los Angeles from New York, so I can be with my friends there, who are also devastated.
“There’s so much to say but I’m at a loss for words so just love your people and I will have more to say when we know more about what happened.”
Hong’s body was discovered when the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to the home after a report of a robbery.
“Around 2:17 this morning the Hollywood-area officers responded to a burglary call in the 6700 block of Milner Road, officers were directed to a male who was the apparent victim of a homicide,” LAPD Officer Aeron Jefferson told Global News.
“The witness reported seeing a male fleeing from the area.”
Police are still on the hunt for the suspect, described as a black male with a thin build wearing a black jacket.
LAPD said Hong died as a result of blunt force trauma.
The investigation is ongoing.