Colin Kroll, co-founder of Vine and HQ Trivia, tragically passed away Sunday, Dec. 16 at age 34. It has been reported that the HQ Trivia CEO died after an alleged drug overdose. According to reports, his girlfriend called police early Sunday morning and asked authorities to check on him after she was unable to get in touch.
“We learned today of the passing of our friend and founder, Colin Kroll, and it’s with deep sadness that we say goodbye,” a spokesperson for the HQ Trivia app said in a statement. “Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
“Colin Kroll was a true visionary who changed the app game twice, and with HQ he changed my life. He poured his heart and soul into his work and was incredibly proud of what his team accomplished. I will forever be grateful for his friendship, his leadership, and his belief in me,” HQ Trivia quiz host, Scott Rogowsky, tweeted.
Colin Kroll was a true visionary who changed the app game twice, and with HQ he changed my life. He poured his heart and soul into his work and was incredibly proud of what his team accomplished. I will forever be grateful for his friendship, his leadership, and his belief in me.
— Scott Rogowsky (@ScottRogowsky) December 17, 2018
Another HQ Trivia host, Sharon Carpenter, shared a photo on Twitter with the message, “I posted this photo just a few days ago. Now, with a heavy heart, I’m posting it again. Thank you for your world-changing creations, Colin Kroll, and for allowing me the opportunity to be involved. A brilliant mind gone way too soon.”
I posted this photo just a few days ago. Now, with a heavy heart, I’m posting it again. Thank you for your world-changing creations, Colin Kroll, and for allowing me the opportunity to be involved. A brilliant mind gone way too soon. 💔 pic.twitter.com/2PkrW8iB1g
— Sharon Carpenter (@sharoncarpenter) December 17, 2018
Along with being the co-founder of Vine, Colin served as the General Manger of the hit video looping app from 2013 to 2014. He was also the Chief Technology Officer for Jetsetter and the Engineering Manager at Yahoo between 2007 to 2009. In 2015, Colin was named CEO of HQ Trivia, which was in the top 10 list of most downloaded iPhone games in January 2018.
We are thinking of Colin’s loved ones during this time.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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