Actor found dead in Strombo’s home
Broadcaster’s friend beaten in possible robbery
An actor whom George Stroumboulopoulos says was a “dear friend” was found beaten to death early Friday in a Hollywood Hills home rented by the Canadian broadcaster.
The man, identified by Los Angeles police as 41-year-old Richard Hong of Canada, was staying at the house while Stroumboulopoulos 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.
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.
Hong was found dead with severe head trauma, according to multiple reports.
Police said a thin black 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 tragedy.
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.”
A rental car was found inside a garage at the location, ABC 7 reported.
Police brought in a helicopter and a bloodhound to aid in the search for a suspect, the station also reported.
A one- bedroom apartment on the street was recently listed for rent for more than $ 3,500 per month.
“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.”
Prior to his hosting duties with Hockey Night in Canada, Stroumboulopoulos hosted a CBC television interview program, which ran for 10 seasons and brought him in contact with many Hollywood celebrities, including Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford and Bradley Cooper.
He was also a MuchMusic host.