A coroner’s report released to TheWrap Tuesday says “Parks and Recreation” co-executive producer Harris Wittels died from an accidental heroin overdose.
The report from the Los Angeles County coroner’s office lists the cause of death as “acute heroin intoxication,” noting Wittels had a “probable needle puncture” on his right arm.
Wittels was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Feb. 19, 2015. The 30-year-old comedian had struggled with addiction in the past, and spoke openly about having attended drug rehabilitation twice before. The coroner’s report noted that “drug paraphernalia including a spoon, syringe cap and remnants of latex balloons,” and a “Narcotics Anonymous” book were found near the body.
The day after Wittels was found dead, “Parks and Recreation” star Aziz Ansari paid tribute to his “friend, colleague & hero” in a touching and lengthy Tumblr post.
“There are so few people that you meet in life that give you that feeling that you’ve found a real unique, original person,” he wrote. “Harris Wittels was one of those and we lost him yesterday. He was 30 years old. I’ve been devastated.”
Wittels had worked with “Parks and Rec” since its debut in 2011. Starting as a staff writer, he worked his way up to co-executive producer. The comedy series aired its last episode in March after seven seasons.
He also wrote and produced for HBO’s “Eastbound & Down,” Comedy Central’s “Secret Girlfriend” and “The Sarah Silverman Program.” In 2012, Wittels was cast as a co-star on Silverman’s NBC pilot, “Susan 313,” which was ultimately not picked up.