‘Parks & Recreation’ Producer Dies Of Suspected Drug Overdose

Almost a week before airing its final episode, tragedy has stricken the "Parks and Recreation" family.

Harris Wittels, a producer and writer on the long-running comedy series, was found dead Thursday around noon of a possible drug overdose at his Los Angeles apartment at the age of 30.

Police report that drug paraphernalia was found at Wittels' home and that he had just finished a stint in rehab. Toxicology reports will take six to eight weeks following an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Series star Amy Poehler addressed Wittels' death during a speech at unite4:good's unite4:humanity event at the Beverly Hilton later that day.

"Today, I lost a friend," said Poehler, 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," she continued. "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."

Wittels also made on-camera appearances on "Parks and Recreation", including the part of one of two habitually-stoned animal control employees. Here's video, and thanks for the laughs, Harris.

Source: Eonline.com