Comedian and Netflix star David A. Arnold dies aged 54: Family announce Fuller House writer has died 'from natural causes' - just three dates into his comedy tour and say they are 'shocked and devastated by loss'

• e-mail

Comedian and Netflix star David A. Arnold has died aged 54, his family has announced.

The Fuller House writer was just three dates into his comedy tour 'Pace Ya Self' when he died ‘from natural causes’ at his home.

In a statement released to the LA Times, his family said:  'It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our husband, father, brother and friend, David A. Arnold.

‘David passed away peacefully today in his home and doctors have ruled the cause of death due to natural causes.

‘Please keep our family in prayer and respect our privacy at this time, as we are all shocked and devastated by this loss.’ 

In a statement released to the LA Times, his family said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our husband, father, brother and friend, David A. Arnold'. Pictured: In Netflix show 'It Ain't For The Weak'

Arnold was married to wife Julie L Harkness, pictured together, with whom he had two children, Anna-Grace and Ashlyn

He had posted a video of one of his comedy sketches on Instagram just hours before his family announced his death. It prompted heartbroken comments from friends and supporters 

He had posted a video of one of his comedy sketches on Instagram just hours before his family announced his death.

David wrote: 'I'll never forget the day my oldest decided between my wife and me who she was gonna send to the nursing home.'

It prompted heartbroken comments from friends and supporters underneath. 

His death has not yet been announced on his social media pages or website.  

The comic and writer began his career at the Montreal Comedy Festival and appeared on Jamie Foxx's Laffapalooza. 

David released two Netflix stand-up specials during his career. In 2019, he released David A. Arnold: Fat Ballerina and in July this year he released It Ain't For The Weak. 

He also created the show That Girl Lay Lay and worked as showrunner and executive producer on it.

Working on the Fuller House reboot as writer and producer, he also did shows including Meet The Browns and Tyler Perry's House of Payne.  

Arnold was married to wife Julie L Harkness, with whom he had two children, Anna-Grace and Ashlyn. 

Working on the Fuller House reboot as writer and producer, he also did shows including Meet The Browns and Tyler Perry's House of Payne. Pictured: With wife Julie 

 David released two Netflix stand-up specials during his career. In 2019, he released David A. Arnold: Fat Ballerina and in July this year he released It Ain't For The Weak (pictured in the show)

David, pictured, has had an outpouring of tributes online since his family announced his death 

Friends, fellow comics and those who have worked with David paid tribute to him online.

Bryan Behar, a TV writer and producer, wrote: 'Devastated to hear of the passing of David A. Arnold. He was a beloved member of our Fuller House writing team, one of the funniest comedians I’ve ever seen & an all-around wonderful man. 

'David was finally experiencing the fruits of decades of work. May his memory be a blessing.'

The comic and writer, pictured, began his career at the Montreal Comedy Festival and appeared on Jamie Foxx's Laffapalooza

Friends, fellow comics and those who have worked with David paid tribute to him online

Friend Bobby Lee, a comedian and actor said: 'I’ve known you for 20 years. An amazing human and comic. Heartbroken @DavidAArnold.' 

Comic Loni Love also paid tribute to David, writing:  'My brother is gone... thank you for the laughs, the encouragement and the inspiration.. my love and prayers to his lovely wife Julie and his beautiful daughters... we are all heartbroken.'

And actress Yvette Nicole Brown said: 'One of Cleveland’s finest has left the stage and way too soon. 54 is too young. #RIP. This does not feel real.'

MailOnline has contacted David's representatives.