HQ Trivia Founder Found Dead

By Megha Shah - Last Updated on May 7, 2019
HQ Trivia Founder Colin Kroll Found Dead

HQ Trivia and Vine co-founder, Colin Kroll, was found dead in his New York City apartment on Sunday, December 16, at the age of 34.

Kroll was the co-founder and CEO of HQ Trivia and co-founded the now defunct video platform Vine. He was found by police after his girlfriend asked authorities to check on his welfare.

Officers at the New York Police Department went to Kroll’s flat in Manhattan to carry out a welfare check and found his body along with drug paraphernalia nearby, TMZ reported. He was unconscious and unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene. Police notified his family, according to New York Police Detective Ahmed Nasser. The Medical Examiner reported drug overdose as the cause of Kroll’s death.

An HQ spokesperson confirmed the death “with deep sadness.” A statement made by the company read: “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.”

Kroll’s father, Alan, told the New York Times: “He had so much talent and had accomplished so much at such a young age. It truly is a waste.”

Kroll had become a big name in the tech world after co-founding Vine, which was a video looping platform. Vine kickstarted the careers of several social media stars. It was later acquired by Twitter in 2012. However, the platform was shut down in 2016.

Kroll and his business partner Rus Yusupov then went on to form Intermedia Labs, the parent company of HQ Trivia. The trivia game app was launched in 2017 and was a breakout success.

HQ Trivia co-founder Rus Yusupov paid tribute to his partner on Twitter (@rus) saying: “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 a big heart. He made the world and internet a better place. Rest in peace, brother.”

Megha Shah | A dreamer, traveler, aspiring entrepreneur and a bookworm beyond repair, Megha Shah is extremely fond of writing and has been doing so since she was a child. Apart from being a part-time writer, Megha is currently in college, pursuing B. Com. (Hons). Megha is an ardent follower of ‘Hardship, Hustle and Heart’ and firmly believes in the power of hard work and destiny!

Megha Shah |A dreamer, traveler, aspiring entrepreneur and a bookworm beyond repair, Megha Shah is extremely fond of writing and has been doing so since she was a child. Apart from being a part-time writer, Megha is currently in college, pursuing B. Com. (Hons). Megha is an ardent follower of ‘Hardship, Hustle and Heart’ and firmly believes in the power of hard work and destiny!

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