Harris Wittels dead: Parks and Recreation producer and 'humblebrag' writer dies aged 30

The writer's tweets about 'humblebragging' evolved into a comedy book

Harris Wittels at the 12th Annual AFI Awards held at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on January 13, 2012 (Getty Images)

Parks and Recreation producer Harris Wittels has died aged 30 after a possible drugs overdose.

He was found dead at his home in Los Angeles at around noon on Thursday. Police 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 worked as a writer and executive producer on Parks and Recreation and also made occasional acting appearances on the US television comedy show.

The cast of Parks and Recreation celebrating their 100th episode last year (Jason Kempin | Getty Images)

His death came only days before the finale of the seventh series, due to be its last, starring Amy Poehler.

Wittels had talked about his struggles with drug abuse in a podcast last autumn, saying he first tried illegal substances when he was 12 but that recreational usage intensified after a break-up.

He revealed that he attended a rehabilitation clinic for heroin addiction and also used prescription drugs to keep his stress during busy work periods under control.

Wittels started his career performing stand-up comedy and wrote for other shows including The Sarah Silverman Programme and Eastbound & Down.

He was also known for popularising the term “humblebrag” with his Twitter account of the same name, which eventually became the book Humblebrag: The Art Of False Modesty.

The comedian used it to mock celebrities and others who masked their boasting with self-deprecation.

As news of his sudden death spread, Wittels’ former colleagues and stars of his show took to Twitter to pay tribute.

Additional reporting by AP