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Colin Kroll, HQ Trivia creator, found dead at his New York apartment

Colin Kroll was found in his New York apartment - Getty Images North America
Colin Kroll was found in his New York apartment - Getty Images North America

The man who co-founded the quiz app HQ Trivia has died aged 34 from a suspected drug overdose.

Colin Kroll's girlfriend is reported to have raised the alarm when she was unable to reach him early on Sunday.

After receiving a request for a wellness check, Police found Kroll unconscious and unresponsive at his apartment in Soho, Manhattan at 8am local time. He was pronounced dead on the scene, said a spokesperson for the New York Police Department. 

The medical examiner's office will determine the cause of death. A police source told the TMZ entertainment website that officers found his body in the bedroom with drug paraphernalia.

His HQ app proved an online sensation after launching last year. It live-streams 15-minute quiz shows to millions of viewers, who split the prize money between winners.

The largest prize pot to date is $400,000 to mark the US basketball finals, one of a number of movie or sport tie-ins.

HQ Trivia found a ready audience after being launched by co-founder Colin Kroll
HQ Trivia found a ready audience after being launched by co-founder Colin Kroll

It was one of the top ten most downloaded iPhone apps at the start of the year but slid down the ranks after that.

Kroll was also the founder of Twitter's Vine video app, but left the company in 2014 amid complaints about his management style.

HQ Trivia said, "We learned today of the passing of our friend and founder, Colin Kroll, and it's with deep sadness that we say goodbye. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time."

Rus Yusupov, co-founder of HQ Trivia and Vine tweeted: "So sad to hear about the passing of my friend and co-founder Colin Kroll. My thoughts & prayers go out to his loved ones. I will forever remember him for his kind soul and big heart," he wrote. "He made the world and internet a better place. Rest in peace, brother."