Comedian Kevin Barnett, Creator Of Fox’s ‘Rel,’ Dead At 32

Comedian and co-creator of Fox’s Rel Kevin Barnett died in Mexico on Tuesday at the young age of 32. The cause of death is still unknown, and the news came just two days after Barnett posted a picture of himself on vacation to his Instagram page. “In mexico,” the post said. “Bought myself a sweater. Been accused of appropriation several times. In my head I just gave a lady some money so I ain’t cold. Either way. Swag heavy. Mixtape comin.”

Barnett was an up-and-coming comedian, whose credits included appearances in Rel, NBC’s The Carmichael Show, and TruTV’s Friends of the People. He was also a regular writer for The Carmichael Show, Comedy Central’s Broad City and Adult Swim’s The Eric Andre Show.

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News of Barnett’s death was confirmed by Last Podcast Network, on which Barnett co-hosted a weekly podcast called Roundtable of Gentlemen. The emotional post read: “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.” Comedy Central also confirmed the report in a tweet.

Comedian Lil Rel Howery, who co-created and stars in Rel, took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late Barnett. “This dude was brilliant and was a very hard worker,” he said. “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 shit to because it was fun and funny plus he had the same crazy sense of humor… 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.”

Fellow comedians Chelsea Peretti and Jaime Lee also voiced their grief on Twitter. “I’m so sad,” Peretti wrote, while Lee called it “a shocking, horrible loss.”