Comedian Chris Cotton, who recently headlined prime NYC comedy club Caroline's on Broadway, has died. He was 32 years old.The Philadelphia-based comic was known as an up-and-coming star who had previously done stand-up for Comedy Central and appeared on several of its programs. The network released a statement announcing his passing."We're devastated by the loss of Chris Cotton - a hilarious comedian, a beloved member of the Comedy Central family and a joy to be around," the network said in a statement posted on Twitter. "He will be missed."
We’re devastated by the loss of Chris Cotton – a hilarious comedian, a beloved member of the Comedy Central family and a joy to be around. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/b7DU4AeGsE
— Comedy Central (@ComedyCentral) December 11, 2019Cotton was due to soon become a first-time father. His wife, Erica, was his high school sweetheart, and she is reportedly expecting to give birth in February.His career was on an upswing: In September, Cotton tweeted a "big show announcement" revealing he was slated to headline at Caroline's on Dec. 3 as a featured Breakout Artist.Comedian Artie Lange tweeted his condolences after learning of Cotton's passing: "My heart goes out to @Cotton215 and his family. I met his wife several times. She's amazing," Lange wrote. "Stay strong. RIP Chris. U made my first podcast so funny. U are missed."My heart goes out to @Cotton215 and his family. I met his wife several times. She’s amazing. Stay strong. RIP Chris. U made my first podcast so funny. U are missed
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) December 12, 2019Earlier this year, Cotton published a memoir titled "What My Dad Did: My Theory on Joke Writing," which chronicles his life and career "while also telling the story of his father, Henry S. Cotton Jr., a public school teacher raising a family and rising from poverty," according to a book description. "This true story is ultimately about finding one’s own voice without having to sacrifice one’s morals."The circumstances of Cotton's passing have not been made public at this time.