

Comedian Brody Stevens died Friday afternoon in Los Angeles, The Blast has confirmed.

Sources close to the investigation tell us he was found just before 1:00 PM. We're told the cause of death is being investigated as a suicide by hanging.

According to our sources, LAPD was dispatched to the scene and investigators spoke with his family. The Blast obtained audio from the emergency dispatchers, where officials described the scene as a "hanging."

A rep for Brody Stevens tells The Blast, "Brody was an inspiring voice who was a friend to many in the comedy community. He pushed creative boundaries and his passion for his work and his love of baseball were contagious. He was beloved by many and will be greatly missed. We respectfully ask for privacy at this time."

After hearing of his passing, comedian Patton Oswalt said, "If you are depressed or feeling suicidal please please please please please reach out to ANYONE. I never get to see Brody Stevens again I can’t stand this."

Sources close to Stevens' circle tell us in the last few months he was very devoted to his mother in Palm Springs. We're told he had also confided in friends recently that he took himself off his medications because he felt they "dulled" his creativity as a comic.

Stevens was very well known as a stand-up comic from Los Angeles and for his oddball comedy and constant shout-outs to the "818" in the San Fernando Valley. He regularly performed at clubs around Los Angeles, including The Comedy Store.

He also had some bit parts in movies, including a scene as a police officer in "The Hangover."

Stevens had been very open about his issues with depression in the past, and recently expressed disappointment over negative reactions to a comedy special he had taped.

R.I.P.