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WATCH: Chris Hyndman was the co-host of “Steven and Chris”, the latest in a long and successful collaboration with his partner on air and in life, Steven Sabados. Hyndman’s body was found near their East End Toronto home Monday night. Jennifer Tryon reports.



TORONTO — Chris Hyndman of the CBC TV show Steven and Chris has died, executives for the public broadcaster confirmed in an internal statement.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the news Christopher Hyndman died early this morning,” Heather Conway, Executive Vice President of English Services, and Jennifer Dettman, Executive Director of Unscripted Content, said in a joint statement.

So very sad to hear of the passing of Chris Hyndman. He was always laughing, always smiling. A great Newfoundland character. — Rick Mercer (@rickmercer) August 4, 2015

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Steven, family, friends and colleagues; our thoughts are with them all.”

Assistance is being provided to CBC employees as needed and the company said it would issue a public statement later today.

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Sad to hear Chris Hyndman passed…great guy, always smiling and laughing. Thoughts are with Steven, Family and friends. RIP Chris :( — Bryan Baeumler (@Bryan_Baeumler) August 4, 2015

“Out of privacy, the Toronto Police Service will not discuss any matter unless there’s a criminal element pertaining to a specific person,” said Const. Caroline de Kloet, adding that the investigation into Hyndman’s death was ongoing.

“The Toronto police will not discuss someone’s private issues unless its deemed a criminal investigation.”

Hyndman was born in Ottawa but grew up in St. Philip’s, about 12 kilometres east of St. John’s.

He worked as a make-up artist and found success — both professional and personal — in Toronto.

WATCH: Chris Hyndman was found dead near Broadview and Queen late Monday. The CBC host was one half of the hosting team behind the popular design show Steven and Chris. Peter Kim reports.

READ MORE: How Chris Hyndman went from small town to a life of style

He met Steven Sabados in 1988 and they became a couple.

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In 2001, they co-hosted Designer Guys on HGTV Canada and followed with Design Rivals and the Slice series So Chic with Steven and Chris before debuting Steven and Chris on CBC in 2008.

Sending my love and deepest condolences. https://t.co/yr3vibH9gs — Cheryl Hickey (@CherylHickeyETC) August 4, 2015

“We were fortunate to work with him earlier in his career. He was a wonderful and talented man and will be greatly missed,” said Christine Shipton, senior vice president and chief creative officer of Shaw Media, in a statement. “Our sympathies go out to his family, friends and colleagues.”

Police confirmed to CBC on Tuesday the body found in an alleyway near Broadview Avenue and Queen Street overnight was that of 49-year-old Hyndman.

Toronto paramedics say the man was found without vital signs and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man’s body was discovered just before midnight and it’s unclear if the death is being considered suspicious.

Police told Global News they are not seeking witnesses in connection with the incident.

CBC said Steven and Chris has been pulled from their schedule.

With files from John R. Kennedy

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