Harris Wittels, 'Parks and Recreation' co-executive producer, dies at 30

The co-executive producer of the hit NBC sitcom "Parks and Recreation" was found dead Thursday in his Los Angeles home from a reported drug overdose.

Wittels' assistant found him at his home in the Los Feliz area around noon, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, police officer Rosario Herrera told the Associated Press. She said the death is being investigated as a possible drug overdose but the Los Angeles County coroner's office will determine the exact cause.

Wittels had talked about his struggles with drug abuse in a podcast last fall.

He was a co-executive producer and writer with occasional acting appearances on "Parks and Recreation," and his death comes just a few days before the series finale of the seven-season comedy starring Amy Poehler.

Poehler paid tribute to Wittels Thursday night when she was honored by Variety magazine at its unite4humanity event, where she told the crowd, "I don't really feel like telling any jokes."

"Today, I lost a friend," Poehler said. "I lost a dear, young friend in my life who was struggling with addiction."

He popularized the term "humblebrag" with his Twitter account of the same name, which eventually became the book "Humblebrag: The Art of False Modesty." He used it to mock celebrities and others who masked their braggadocio in self-deprecation.

Wittels also produced and wrote for “The Sarah Silverman Program,” “Eastbound and Down” and “Secret Girlfriend.” He was also a recurring guest on the podcast “Comedy Bang Bang.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.