“The corresponding autopsy was carried out, which determined that the cause of death was: Non Traumatic Hemorrhage, caused by pancreatitis,” the Chief of the Forensic Medical Service told E! in a statement. Barnett’s body was reportedly received on Jan. 22 at 5:50 a.m.
“At the moment his body is still in facilities of the Forensic Medical Service of Tijuana, waiting to be delivered to his family members who are performing the legal proceedings,” the statement continues.
According to the Mayo Clinic, pancreatitis "is inflammation in the pancreas. The pancreas is a long, flat gland that sits tucked behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. The pancreas produces enzymes that help digestion and hormones that help regulate the way your body processes sugar (glucose)."
“Pancreatitis can occur as acute pancreatitis — meaning it appears suddenly and lasts for days. Or pancreatitis can occur as chronic pancreatitis, which is pancreatitis that occurs over many years,” Mayo Clinic states. “Mild cases of pancreatitis may go away without treatment, but severe cases can cause life-threatening complications.”
On Tuesday, Last Podcast Network, on which Barnett co-hosted weekly podcast "Roundtable of Gentlemen," confirmed his unexpected death.
“Dear Last Podcast family, It’s with a heavy heart we inform you of the passing of Kevin Barnett,” the podcast network tweeted.
“The joy he brought to our lives is the greatest gift we have ever received,” the statement continued. “Remind your friends you love them because you never know when you’ll see them again. We love you KB.”
In a statement to E! News, a U.S. Department of State official also confirmed his death.
“We can confirm the death of a U.S. citizen, Kevin Barnett, in Tijuana on Jan. 22,” a statement to the outlet reads. “We offer our sincerest condolences to his family on their loss, and we stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance. Out of respect to the family during this difficult time, we have no further comment.”
According to Deadline, which first reported the news, Barnett died while vacationing in Mexico.
Over the weekend, Barnett shared his last-ever social media post: a photo of himself on a sidewalk in Mexico.
“In mexico. Bought myself a sweater. Been accused of appropriation several times,” he captioned the photo of himself. “In my head I just gave a lady some money so I ain’t cold. Either way. Swag heavy. Mixtape comin. 📸: @alexjonesbaby.”
Barnett co-created Fox's comedy series Rel, which premiered in September, alongside Lil Rel Howery and Josh Rabinowitz.
"I was trying to figure out what to say but I can't I'm truly heartbroken by this and just really hurt as the hours pass…" Howery, 39, wrote alongside an Instagram photo of Barnett. "So gifted and so dope and a true friend!!!! I don't know what else to say this is crazy to me!!!!"
"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," a rep for Twentieth Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. "We send our thoughts and prayers to his friends and family during this difficult time."
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