The late businessman was found unconscious and unresponsive in his Manhattan apartment on Sunday morning, December 16.
- Dec 17, 2018
AceShowbiz - HQ Trivia has just lost one of its important members. Colin Kroll, who co-founded the popular app, was found dead of suspected drug overdose in his New York apartment on Sunday morning, December 16. He was 34.
The New York City Police Department said officers responded to a 911 call for a wellness check early morning at his residence in lower Manhattan. Upon reaching the place, they discovered him unconscious and unresponsive in bed with substances that appeared to be cocaine and heroin nearby. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing and the medical examiner will determine the cause of death, according to police.
A spokesperson for HQ Trivia confirmed the death of its co-founder through a statement on Twitter. "We learned today of the passing of our friend and founder, Colin Kroll, and it's with deep sadness that we say goodbye. Our thought go out to his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," so the statement read.
We learned today of the passing of our friend and founder, Colin Kroll, and it's with deep sadness that we say goodbye. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
— HQ Trivia (@hqtrivia) December 16, 2018
Rus Yusupov, who co-founded Vine and HQ Trivia with Kroll, paid tribute to the late businessman on social media following his sudden passing. "So sad to hear about the passing of my friend and co-founder Colin Kroll. My thoughts & prayers go out to his loved ones," he said. "I will forever remember him for his kind soul and big heart. He made the world and internet a better place. Rest in peace, brother."
So sad to hear about the passing of my friend and co-founder Colin Kroll. My thoughts & prayers go out to his loved ones. I will forever remember him for his kind soul and big heart. He made the world and internet a better place. Rest in peace, brother.
— Rus (@rus) December 16, 2018
Kroll, Yusupov and Dom Hofmann launched the popular video looping app Vine in June 2012, which was sold to Twitter in August of the same year and closed down last year. They then co-founded HQ Trivia, an app that hosts a live game show where users can win cash prizes, in August 2017. It quickly became a viral sensation, inspiring a range of copycat apps that aimed to seize on the popular format.
