Comedian Chris Cotton dies aged 32, weeks before birth of first child

US-based comedian Chris Cotton has died at the age of 32, weeks before the birth of his first child.

 A statement from Comedy Central confirmed his passing.

The statement reads: "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."

Tributes have poured in for the beloved comedian, who appeared in and wrote for the network’s chat show Every Damn Day. He also hosted red carpet coverage for the Comedy Central Roast of Bruce Willis, which happened in July last year.

 The performer’s cause of death is yet to be publicly released.

 Chris was set to become a father in February. His wife Erica, who he married in May 2011 is heavily pregnant with their first child.