Comedian Harris Wittels found dead from suspected drug overdose

An American comedian who served as a writer and executive producer on sitcom Parks and Recreation has been found dead at his home from a suspected drug overdose.

Harris Wittels, 30, was found unconscious on the lounge in his Los Angeles home by emergency services and pronounced dead about 1pm on Thursday, TMZ reports.

Drug paraphernalia was found throughout his house.

Wittels had spoken openly about his battles with drug addiction in the past, and the night before his death had performed a set of stand-up comedy at Los Angeles theatre The Meltdown.

During the set he reportedly talked of being clean and sober, and said he "was in a good place".

In addition to working as executive producer on Parks and Recreation, Wittels produced and wrote for comedies Eastbound and Down and The Sarah Silverman Program.

The last episode of Parks and Recreation is set to air on February 24, having run for seven seasons since 2009.

He was also known for memes and internet humour, having coined the phrase 'humblebrag'.

The term refers to when someone makes a statement, particularly on social media, which is seemingly self-deprecating but is actually intended to draw attention to something they are proud of.

The term was added to the Oxford Dictionary last year.

Source: TMZ