Mat George, a popular podcaster and internet personality, has died, the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office said. He was 26 years old.
George had nearly 80,000 followers on Instagram and Twitter, where he was known as @matchu_chutrain, and he had a loyal following. An alumnus of Arizona State University, he was also a co-host of the beloved podcast "She Rates Dogs" with Michaela Okland.
"I would rather you guys here this from me than a news article," Okland wrote on Twitter to her 244,000 followers. "Mat was killed in a hit and run last night. I don't really have any other words right now. I wish I could contact everybody who knows him personally but the news is already out and I just can't do it right now."
Fans of the pair quickly responded with shock and condolences.
"Mat was such a beautiful kind person, this is so heartbreaking my God," one person wrote. "Rest in Peace king."
Another person added: "Never met him in person, but he was always a bright spot on my timeline. His vulnerability and humor made me feel a little more at home in my own skin. This is tragic news and I'm sorry for such a sudden loss of what seemed like an incredible guy."
Police said George was struck in a hit-and-run early Saturday in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles. As of Saturday evening, the investigation was continuing.
Detectives urge anyone with information about the incident to phone them at 213-473-0234 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
A fan commented: "I didn't know Mat personally but he was without a doubt one of the funniest, kindest people on this app. His humor, smile, and general positivity and happiness were absolutely infectious and every time he posted I could count on a good laugh. Praying for his family and friends."
In his last Instagram post, shared July 5, George said, "In a town full of phonies, I'm not afraid to be me."