Comedian Kevin Barnett, 32, died as a result of complications from pancreatitis while on vacation in Tijuana

Comedian Kevin Barnett's shock death earlier this week was caused by pancreatitis, it has been revealed. The 32-year-old was taken to the hospital in Tijuana on Tuesday. He was vacationing in Mexico at the time. Pancreatitis is the condition which ensues when the pancreas becomes inflamed. In severe, acute cases, it can become fatal if part of the pancreas - a gland which sits behind the upper abdomen - dies and causes infection and sepsis. 

 There are a number of possible causes including gallstones, misuses of alcohol, cystic fibrosis and hereditary conditions. It remains unclear what caused Barnett to become afflicted.  Around 200,000 people in the US are diagnosed with pancreatitis every year. Of that, five per cent are likely to die. In a statement on Thursday, Tijuana's Chief of the Medical Forensic Service said in a statement: 'The corresponding autopsy was carried out, which determined that the cause of death was: Non Traumatic Hemorrhage, caused by pancreatitis. 

'At the moment his body is still in facilities of the Forensic Medical Service of Tijuana, waiting to be delivered to his family members who are performing the legal proceedings.' 

Authorities with the U.S. Department of State previously confirmed to the outlet that the New York City native died in Tijuana Tuesday. Forensic officials said that Barnett's body was submitted to them at 5:50 a.m. local time from Tijuana's Avenida Revolución.

Barnett was best known as the co-creator of the Fox comedy Rel. He did not indicate any health issues when he took to Instagram Saturday with a shot of himself in Mexico. He wrote in the caption: 'In mexico. Bought myself a sweater. 

'Been accused of appropriation several times. 

'In my head I just gave a lady some money so I ain’t cold.

'Either way. Swag heavy. Mixtape comin.'

Barnett, a regular on the New York City comedy circuit, was a co-creator and executive producer on the Fox comedy Rel. 

The network hailed Barnett as 'an incredibly funny, wildly talented man who had so much more to do and so many more stories to tell' in a statement mourning his loss.

'Our hearts are broken, as are those of everyone at Rel, at the news of Kevin Barnett’s passing,' the network said. 'We send our thoughts and prayers to his friends and family during this difficult time.'

Pete Davidson, who was among his friends, was rattled by the news as he performed in New York City on Tuesday night. 

'I’m in a weird mood,' he said at the start of the performance at Caroline's on Broadway. 

Later, sources told US Weekly that he said: 'My head hurts. How ong have I been up here? Sorry, my brain is mush.' 

Barnett's other writing credits included The Carmichael Show, The Eric Andre Show and the animated Lucas Bros Moving Co, and he was a co-host on The Roundtable of Gentlemen podcast on the Last Podcast Network.

Barnett's life will be celebrated at Brooklyn's The Bell House on Friday, with all proceeds going to his memorial fund, according to the venue.