GettyThe CEO and co-founder of HQ Trivia, Colin Kroll, has died at the age of 35.
GettyAs reported by TMZ, Kroll’s girlfriend called officers to asked them to conduct a welfare check on Kroll when she couldn’t get in touch with him.
Kroll’s death is reportedly believed to be a suspected drug overdose, with officers suspecting cocaine and heroin to be the drugs involved, according to TMZ.
TMZ’s law enforcement sources have claimed Kroll’s body was discovered in a bedroom at his downtown Manhattan apartment ‘with drug paraphernalia nearby’.
A senior New York Police Department (NYPD) official toldThe Daily Beast hoe Kroll was found ‘unconscious and unresponsive’ lying face down in his bed shortly before midnight. Approximately one hour later, he was pronounced dead by medics.
GettyDigidays platforms reporter, Kerry Flynn, has tweeted the following tribute to Kroll:
RIP Colin Kroll. I had the pleasure of interviewing him about transition to HQ CEO.
I could tell he was second guessing himself but everything he articulated was well thought out. Colin was smart af and kind, not perfect, no one is, but good. RIP.
Video game journalist and presenter, Geoff Keighley, tweeted:
Absolutely heartbreaking.
Marketing director at HQ Trivia, Andrew Watts, tweeted:
What the f*ck. I’m heartbroken. What.
What the fuck. I’m heartbroken. What.
— Andrew Watts (@thatswattsup) December 16, 2018
RIP Colin Kroll
— Arshdeep Bhardwaj (@arshdeepco) December 16, 2018
HQ Trivia, which debuted in August 2017, once had a place in the top 10 most downloaded iPhone games. In 2017, Time Magazine awarded the trivia game the title of App of the Year.
However, as reported by TMZ, HQ Trivia has experienced difficulties in recent months, with participant numbers steadily dwindling; dropping from the top ten to around 250 to 500.
TMZ have also reported how Kroll had been dealing with a HR complaint made by an HQ employee, alleging Kroll had an ‘aggressive management style’.
RIP Colin Kroll
— Arshdeep Bhardwaj (@arshdeepco) December 16, 2018
As well as co-founding HQ Trivia, tech executive Kroll also founded Vine, and had previously held the position of Chief Technology Officer for travel site Jetsetter.
Kroll was named as HQ Trivia’s CEO in 2015, a year after he was dismissed from his role at Twitter after being described as a ‘bad manager’.
Some female employees had reportedly claimed Kroll’s behaviour had made them feel uncomfortable. However, no sexual harassment claims against him have ever been filed.
Wow RIP to the founder of Vine, the greatest app of all time #ColinKroll
— Jawn-Ralphio Saperstein (@THR33von) December 16, 2018
Stunned to learn about @hqtrivia #ceo #colinkroll. My heart goes out to the entire #HQ family. #RIPColinKroll
— Marla White (@marlawhite) December 16, 2018
The Medical Examiner’s office will now determine the precise cause of death.
Our thoughts are with family of Colin Kroll at this difficult time.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or email via http://bit.ly/2Q1rnIM 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Or Live Chat at http://bit.ly/2qgPCaF from 2pm-6pm any day of the week.
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