HEARTBREAK FOR ‘STROMBO’ AT FRIEND’S DEATH

Broadcaster’s friend beaten in possible robbery

IT’S ALWAYS A SHOCK TO THINK THAT SOMETHING SUCH AS A MURDER CAN GO ON.

A man was found beaten to death early Friday in a Hollywood Hills home rented by Canadian broadcaster George Stroumboulopoulos.

The man was a “dear friend” who was staying at the house while he was away, according to a message posted on the broadcaster’s social media accounts.

“I only have a few details but it seems like it was the result of a break in. … I am heartbroken,” wrote Stroumboulopoulos, former host of Hockey Night in Canada.

Los Angeles police say they received reports of a burglary at 2:17 a.m. Friday in the 6700-block of Milner Road, a narrow street marked by houses with Spanish-style terracotta roofs near the landmark Hollywood Bowl concert venue.

A man in his 40s was found dead with severe head trauma, according to multiple reports.

Police said a black, thin man wearing a black jacket was seen running away from the scene.

Stroumboulopoulos told NewsTalk 1010 radio Friday he was in New York when he learned of the incident.

He later posted a message on his Facebook and Twitter accounts as he was making his way to California.

“I am writing this from a plane en route to Los Angeles from New York, so I can be with my friends there, who are also devastated,” he wrote.

“There’s so much to say but I’m at a loss for words so just love your people and I will have more to say when we know more about what happened.”

The victim has not been identified.

Police brought in a helicopter and a bloodhound to aid in the search for a suspect, ABC 7 reported.

“It’s always a shock to think that something such as a murder can go on,” resident Eric Pearl told NBC 4.

“And yet, living in Hollywood, it’s something you have to recognize as a potential reality.”