Kevin Barnett, Comedian and ‘Rel’ Co-Creator, Dies at 32

Credit: truTV/YouTube

Hollywood is mourning the untimely death of comedian Kevin Barnett.

Barnett — who co-created Fox’s Rel and wrote for Comedy Central’s Broad City, among other projects — died suddenly of unknown causes earlier this week while vacationing in Mexico, according to published reports.

The writer-actor was 32 years old.

Following the news of Barnett’s death, several celebrities and collaborators took to social media to express their condolences.

Star and co-creator of Rel, Lil Rel Howery, penned on Instagram: “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!!!!”

Actor-comedian Roy Wood Jr. tweeted: “Kevin Barnett was a beautifully fearless and funny soul. My heart aches for his family and all who ever had the chance to work with him. RIP.”

David Alan Grier, who worked with Barnett on The Carmichael Show, wrote: “Rest In Peace Kevin Barnett. Too young, just too, too young…”

Ben Kissel, who co-hosted the Round Table of Gentleman podcast alongside Barnett, penned: “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..”

Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson reportedly addressed his friend’s passing during a comedy routine Tuesday night, telling the crowd: “My head hurts. How long have I been up here? Sorry, my brain is mush.”

Twentieth Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment, which produces Rel, released the following statement in the wake of Barnett’s death: “Our hearts are broken, as are those of everyone at ‘Rel,’ at the news of Kevin Barnett’s passing.”

The message concludes: “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.”

Barnett executive produced and was the head writer for truTV’s Friends of the People. He was also a series regular on Guy Code, which aired on MTV2, and he appeared on Adam DeVine’s House Party and the 2014 Chris Rock comedy, Top Five.