Advertisement

‘Rel’ co-creator Kevin Barnett’s cause of death revealed

Actor Kevin Barnett attends the 'Friends of the People' portion of the 2014 TCA Turner Broadcasting Summer Press Tour Presentation at The Beverly Hilton on July 10, 2014 in Los Angeles, Calif. Michael Buckner/WireImage

Comedian Kevin Barnett, co-creator of Rel, has died while on vacation in Mexico. He was 32.

His cause of death was revealed on Jan 24, following an autopsy. The Chief of the Forensic Medical Service told E! News that the 32-year-old comedian died from complications from pancreatitis.

“We can confirm the death of a U.S. citizen, Kevin Barnett, in Tijuana on Jan. 22,” a U.S. Department of State official said in a statement. “We offer our sincerest condolences to his family on their loss, and we stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance. Out of respect to the family during this difficult time, we have no further comment.”

READ MORE: Ozuna says he’s the victim of extortion, was depicted in sexual video as minor

“The corresponding autopsy was carried out, which determined that the cause of death was: Non Traumatic Hemorrhage, caused by pancreatitis,” the statement read. “At the moment his body is still in facilities of the Forensic Medical Service of Tijuana, waiting to be delivered to his family members who are performing the legal proceedings.”

Story continues below advertisement

He posted a picture on social media from Mexico on Jan. 19.

Twentieth Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment released a statement saying Barnett was “incredibly funny, wildly talented.”

“Our hearts are broken, as are those of everyone at Rel, at the news of Kevin Barnett’s passing,” Twentieth Century Fox Television and Fox Broadcasting Company said in a statement. “He was an incredibly funny, wildly talented man who had so much more to do and so many more stories to tell. We send our thoughts and prayers to his friends and family during this difficult time.”

READ MORE: Cardi B is getting her 1st Las Vegas residency

Barnett recently executive produced and co-created the series Rel with comedians Josh Rabinowitz and Lil Rel Howery.

Story continues below advertisement
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 13: (L-R) Kevin Barnett, Jermaine Fowler, Josh Rabinowitz, Jennifer Bartels, Kenny Lucas, Keith Lucas, and Lil Rel Howery attend the Turner Upfront 2015 at Madison Square Garden on May 13, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Turner).

Barnett and Rabinowitz worked together as writer-producers on The Carmichael Show.

The 32-year-old comedian also appeared on HBO’s Funny as Hell and Chris Rock’s Top Five.

He was also co-host on the “Round Table of Gentlemen” podcast with Ben Kissel.

WATCH: Bob Einstein, who portrayed ‘Super Dave Osborne’, dies at 76

Click to play video: 'Bob Einstein, who portrayed ‘Super Dave Osborne’, dies at 76'
Bob Einstein, who portrayed ‘Super Dave Osborne’, dies at 76

At the premiere for Broad City’s final season in New York, Comedy Central chief Kent Alterman and actors Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer opened the event by paying tribute to Barnett. They vowed to continue to celebrate his comedy.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: Bebe Rexha says several designers declined to dress her for Grammys because she’s ‘too big’

Condolences started pouring in on social media once news of Barnett’s passing spread.

“Dear Last Podcast family, It’s with a heavy heart we inform you of the passing of Kevin Barnett. The joy he brought to our lives is the greatest gift we have ever received. Remind your friends you love them because you never know when you’ll see them again. We love you KB,” the Last Podcast Network tweeted.

Howery took to Instagram to post a photo of Barnett. “I was trying to figure out what to say but I can’t I’m truly heartbroken by this and just really hurt as the hours pass… So gifted and so dope and a true friend!!!! I don’t know what else to say this is crazy to me!!!!,” the comedian wrote.

Story continues below advertisement

In a second post, Howery posted a photo of Barnett and himself, writing, “This dude was brilliant and was a very hard worker… I’m thankful for him and Josh always putting in the extra hours to make sure every script was on point… Kevin was somebody I would always give sh*t to because it was fun and funny plus he had the same crazy sense of humor [sic].”

He continued: “Over the years we would have some hysterical dope convos and exchange crazy stories… I can’t stop crying on this plane it’s really starting to hit me that he is actually gone… At 32 he accomplished so much in this business and was respected by many… Rest In Peace my brother and my friend… Thank you for the last 6 years of helping make my dreams come true man… #FOTP4Life.”

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: Chris Brown plans to sue rape accuser for slander, says his lawyer

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“Kevin Barnett was an incredible comedian and writer, contributing to Broad City, the stand-up community and beyond. He’ll be greatly missed,” Comedy Central posted on Twitter with a photo of Barnett.

Story continues below advertisement

The Lucas brothers wrote, “Goodbye to our brother: The thought of never hearing another one of your brilliantly layered stories saddens us. You were a comedic savant. Being able to absorb your genius during our many wonderful experiences together fundamentally changed our perspective on life. ”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs8xP1RAsi7/?utm_source=ig_embed

Story continues below advertisement

Comedian Brooks Wheelan said that Barnett was “the nicest/funniest/meanest/best friend a person could ever hope to have.”

Story continues below advertisement

https://twitter.com/scullymike/status/1087818926321356800

Story continues below advertisement

Story continues below advertisement

https://twitter.com/EddieDellaSiepe/status/1087826268089769985

https://twitter.com/ericandre/status/1088097871856058368

Story continues below advertisement

Story continues below advertisement

https://twitter.com/SaraADahms/status/1087859623451860992

Sponsored content

AdChoices