Following news of the 32-year-old 'REL' co-creator's passing, comedians such as Pete Davidson and Chelsea Peretti have voiced their sadness and grief.
- January 23, 2019
AceShowbiz - The comedy industry has just lost one of its talents. Comedian and writer Kevin Barnett has passed away at the age of 32. Twentieth Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment confirm the sad news through a statement.
"Our hearts are broken, as are those of everyone at 'REL', at the news of Kevin Barnett's passing. He was an incredibly funny, wildly talented man who had so much more to and so many stories to tell," so the statement read. "We send our thoughts and prayers to his friends and family during this difficult time."
The cause of his death is currently unknown, but reports suggested that the "REL" creator died while vacationing in Mexico. Two days prior to his death, Barnett posted a picture from his trip with a caption that read, "In mexico. 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'."
Following news of his death, many comedians have voiced their sadness and grief. "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" star Chelsea Peretti linked a tweet of the news and wrote, "I am so sad." Jamie A. Lee wrote, "A shocking, horrible loss. Kevin Barnett was a hilarious, talented comedian and a great guy. RIP. This is so awful."
i am so sad https://t.co/ScYINWIgvF
— Chelsea Peretti (@chelseaperetti) 22 Januari 2019
A shocking, horrible loss. Kevin Barnett was a hilarious, talented comedian and a great guy. RIP @fatboybarnett. This is so awful. https://t.co/8VeyvL7Ynu
— Jamie A. Lee (@TheJamieLee) 22 Januari 2019
Announcing the sad news to his "Last Podcast" listeners, Ben Kissel 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 see them again. We love you KB." Fellow comedian Brooks Wheelan, meanwhile, dubbed the late funnyman "the nicest/funniest/meanest/best friend a person could ever hope to have."
Dear Last Podcast family,
— Ben Kissel (@BenKissel) 22 Januari 2019
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’re see them again. We love you KB.
I texted Kevin a few years ago out of the blue “wanna go to Hawaii†and he’s the only person I’ve ever known who would just respond “let’s do it.†This photo was the next day.
— Brooks Wheelan (@brookswheelan) 22 Januari 2019
He was the nicest/funniest/meanest/best friend a person could ever hope to have. I love @Fatboybarnett pic.twitter.com/0M0OPoJXHX
Pete Davidson also issued a statement mourning Barnett's death. "The world lost a great one today. One of our comedy family members Kevin Barnett has tragically passed. I love Kevin. I've known him for nearly 10 years and he's always been the sweetest and funniest," the "Saturday Night Live" star said. "Always had a smile on his face. Was one of the few that treated me like a comic even when I was just 16 years old. He always made me feel part of the group."
He concluded, "Thank you Kevin for being in my life and blessing us with your talents and positive energy. This one really f***ed me up. You will be missed."
