The co-founder and CEO of the company behind mobile sensation HQ Trivia, Colin Kroll, has died aged 34.
TMZ reports that Kroll was found in his apartment “with drug paraphernalia nearby” by police. It's not exactly clear what happened however, with multiple different accounts reported in the media.
The HQ Trivia team has released a statement expressing “deep sadness” over the news.
“We learned today of the passing of our friend and founder, Colin Kroll, and it's with deep sadness that we say goodbye,” read the statement.
“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Fellow HQ Trivia co-founder Rus Yusupov also tweeted: “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.”
Scott Rogowsky said a few words about the passing of Colin Kroll in the @hqtrivia app tonight pic.twitter.com/D8j575L88a
— HQ Trivia Fans (@hqtriviafans) December 17, 2018
Kroll is perhaps best known as one of the co-founders of short-form video platform Vine, which he formed with Yusupov. It was acquired by Twitter in 2012.
He and Yusupov would later go on to create HQ Trivia, which became a hugely popular app over the last year.
Its success led to developer Intermedia Labs being ranked 38th in the PocketGamer.biz top 50 Developer list for 2018.
Kroll was appointed as Intermedia Labs CEO in September 2018, taking over from Yusupov who stepped into the role of chief creative officer.