Popular podcaster Mat George dies at 26

Mat George, a popular podcaster and internet personality, has died, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office. He was 26 years old.

Known on Instagram and Twitter as @matchu_chutrain, George had nearly 80,000 followers between the two social media platforms and had a loyal following. An alum of Arizona State University, he was also a co-host on the beloved podcast "She Rates Dogs" with Michaela Okland.

"I would rather you guys here this from me than a news article," Okland wrote on Twitter to her 244,000 followers. "Mat was killed in a hit and run last night. I don’t really have any other words right now. I wish I could contact everybody who knows him personally but the news is already out and I just can’t do it right now."

Fans of the pair quickly responded with shock and their heartfelt condolences.

"Mat was such a beautiful kind person, this is so heartbreaking my God," one person wrote. "Rest in Peace king."

Another person added, "Never met him in person, but he was always a bright spot on my timeline. His vulnerability and humor made me feel a little more at home in my own skin. This is tragic news and I'm sorry for such a sudden loss of what seemed like an incredible guy."

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, George was struck in a hit and run early Saturday morning in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles. As of Saturday evening, the investigation was still ongoing.

Detectives urge anyone with information regarding the incident to phone them at 213-473-0222 ext. 5 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

One fan commented on George's death, "I didn’t know Mat personally but he was without a doubt one of the funniest, kindest people on this app. His humor, smile, and general positivity and happiness were absolutely infectious and every time he posted I could count on a good laugh. Praying for his family and friends."

His last Instagram post shared on July 5 said, "In a town full of phonies, I’m not afraid to be me."

CORRECTION (July 20, 2021 9:36 p.m.): An earlier version of this story had an incorrect phone number for the West Traffic Division of Los Angeles.