'Parks and Recreation' Producer Dies from Overdose, Amy Poehler Mourns his Loss

By Staff Reporter - 20 Feb '15 04:23AM

Harris Wittels, one of the executive producers of "Parks and Recreation," died of an alleged drug overdose Thursday, according to reports.

Wittels' body was discovered by his assistant at 12 p.m. in the 2200 block of North Hobart Boulevard, said Los Angeles Police Department Officer Rosario Herrera.

According to the police, drug paraphernalia was discovered in his house, and Wittels was reportedly open about his drug use and two stints in rehab.

On "Parks and Rec," Wittels also served as a writer and occasionally appeared as an animal control staffer.

"Today, I lost a friend," Poehler said, according to Variety. "I lost a dear, young friend in my life who was struggling with addiction."

"I'm sharing it with you because life and death live so close together, and we walk that fine line everyday," Poehler said. "When things happen in our lives, we turn to the people that we love...and we lean on people, in a hope that we will ease our pain."

"So, I don't really feel like telling any jokes," she said. "I'm kind of sad, and it's really great to be here tonight and listen to all of you, and listen to the great work that you do and be reminded why we live in this bizarre planet called 'Hollywood,'" she said. "It's very strange."

Stars have taken to Twitter to react to the sad news. Seth Meyers tweeted, "Such heartbreaking news about Harris Wittels. A really funny guy." Actor Kumail Nanjiani simply wrote, "RIP Harris Wittels," and Will Arnett added, "God Damnit. #RIPHarrisWittels."