A self-confessed “India-phile” who visited the South Asia country multiple times, the 39-year-old last tweeted about his trip on June 23, joking about drinking vodka while waiting on a train ticket.
#IndiaTrip Smirnoff vodka for $1.50… #justsayin Sitting in a bar waiting to see if my wait list train ticket gets approved (2 hrs to wait)
— Chris Chamberlin (@popculturechris) June 23, 2017
The shocking news was confirmed by Leisa Bacon, ABC’s director of audiences, in an internal memo sent to staff yesterday afternoon.
“It is with great sadness that I am writing of the recent passing of Chris Chamberlin, a dear colleague and friend, who died earlier today while on holidays in India,” she wrote. “Chris has made many friends through his work at the ABC and I know I speak on behalf of everyone by saying Chris will be greatly missed. Personally I will miss his witty takes on pop culture and politics, which could always brighten your day.”
I’m so very sad to learn of the death of my colleague @popculturechris – just a delightful person to be around. Condolences to his nearest.
— Leigh Sales (@leighsales) June 26, 2017
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Chamberlin’s good mate, David Scott, to help raise funds for his body to be brought home from India.
“Sadly, he passed away whilst on holidays in India and as his friend, as his #1 fan and someone who will miss him more than words can ever describe, I know there are hundreds, thousands of you out there who want to give back to Chris in anyway they can for the cheer he brought to our lives,” he writes.“The money will be used to help bring Chris home so that his friends and family are able to say goodbye to this amazing human being properly.”
Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
