David A. Arnold, comedian and creator of Nickelodeon’s “That Girl Lay Lay,” died suddenly on Wednesday. He was just 54.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our husband, father, brother and friend, David A. Arnold,” Arnold’s family said in a statement on Thursday.
“David passed away peacefully today in his home and doctors have ruled the cause of death due to natural causes. Please keep our family in prayer and respect our privacy at this time as we are all shocked and [devastated] by this loss.”
Industry insiders were shocked by the news of his passing, and were equally shocked that his reps are saying that the popular and powerful comedian died of “natural causes” at age 54. They were confused how it can be “natural” for a seemingly healthy 54 year old man to suddenly drop dead.
Tons of his celebrity friends have sent public messages about David’s death.
Chris Spencer, a comedian and close friend of Arnold, said the comedy community “mourns the loss of one of the greatest to ever do it.” Spencer added that Arnold, pictured with his wife Julie Harkness Arnold, was “admired by his peers, respected by other veterans, and revered by the burgeoning comedians that he mentored. He will be deeply missed, especially by his comedy fraternity.”