'Rel' Co-Creator Kevin Barnett Dead at 32

The comedian reportedly died of unknown causes while vacationing in Mexico.

Kevin Barnett
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Image via Getty/Michael Tran/FilmMagic

Kevin Barnett

Comedy writer Kevin Barnett died unexpectedly this week at the age of 32.

According to Variety, the NYC-based comedian died of unknown causes while vacationing Mexico. 20th TV and Fox Entertainment confirmed his death in a statement on Tuesday:


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 do and so many more stories to tell. We send our thoughts and prayers to his friends and family during this difficult time

Barnett's last Instagram post went up over the weekend and was captioned: "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."

Though he was considered an up-and-comer by some, Barnett got his start in comedy over a decade ago during his freshman year in college. He would go on to write for TV series like Broad City, The Carmichael Show, and Rel, which he created alongside Lil Rel Howery and Josh Rabinowitz.

Barnett also appeared in shows like MTV's Guy Code, HBO's Funny as Hell, and in Chris Rock's Top Five, in addition to co-hosting The Roundtable of Gentlemen for the Last Podcast Network.

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.

— Last Podcast Network (@LastPodNetwork) January 22, 2019

We will keep you posted as more information about Barnett's death is revealed.

You can read some of the tributes shared by his fans, friends, and colleagues below.

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.

He was the nicest/funniest/meanest/best friend a person could ever hope to have. I love @Fatboybarnett pic.twitter.com/0M0OPoJXHX

— Brooks Wheelan (@brookswheelan) January 22, 2019

i am so sad https://t.co/ScYINWIgvF

— Chelsea Peretti (@chelseaperetti) January 22, 2019

I’m at a loss for words hearing about Kevin Barnett... We went to college together and both moved out to LA to pursue the dream. Rest in paradise brother 🙏🏾❤️

— King Bach (@KingBach) January 22, 2019

Kevin Barnett was an incredible comedian and writer, contributing to Broad City, the stand-up community and beyond. He’ll be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/4uyoMNkGk0

— comedycentral (@ComedyCentral) January 22, 2019

Kevin Barnett was the greatest, most positive fucking dude, and this is absolutely tragic.

— Adam Newman (@Adam_Newman) January 22, 2019

I can’t believe this. RIP Kevin Barnett. One of the nicest, funniest dudes. An amazing comic and writer who just created his own series. What a massive loss of a guy who made amazing comedy on stage and television. Dammit. pic.twitter.com/eCMmj5eQrC

— Mike Drucker (@MikeDrucker) January 22, 2019

Kevin Barnett was really good. He will be missed.

— Jon Friedman (@friedmanjon) January 22, 2019

Damn man. RIP Kevin Barnett.

— Donwill® One Word No Space No DJ (@donwill) January 22, 2019

Aw man. Kevin Barnett. Always so kind, so funny, and just an incredible presence to be around. I'm honored to have known him, booked him, and spent a little time with a truly beautiful soul. RIP, brother.

— Alex Hooper (@HooperHairPuff) January 22, 2019

I love you forever @Fatboybarnett ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UmVrisk62h

— Kat Timpf (@KatTimpf) January 22, 2019

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