Tributes paid to Rel co-creator

American comedian Kevin Barnett has died at the age of 32.

The stand-up co-created the Fox series Rel and has written on shows including Broad City and The Eric Andre Show.

His agents UTA said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and client Kevin Barnet. He was an incredible talent and a wonderful person. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.’

Barnett was reportedly on holiday in Mexico when he died, but the cause of death is not yet known.

 Comedy Central paid tribute on its Twitter page, posting: ‘Kevin Barnett was an incredible comedian and writer, contributing to Broad City, the stand-up community and beyond. He'll be greatly missed.’

Ben Kissel, who hosted the podcast Round Table of Gentlemen with Barnett, said: ‘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're [going to] see them again. We love you KB.’

Fellow comic Mike Birbiglia  said he was ‘devastated by the loss of Kevin Barnett’, adding: ‘He was beyond talented and just a great, great guy.’ I can't believe this happened. My heart goes out to his family. 

Rel, which launched last year, is about  a Chicago man trying to rebuild his life after his ex-wife slept with his barber.

Published: 23 Jan 2019