LOS ANGELES — George Stroumboulopoulos says he’s “heartbroken” after a “dear friend” was found dead early Friday at a home the former Hockey Night In Canada host rents in Los Angeles.

In a statement on his Facebook page, Stroumboulopoulos indicated he was in New York City when he learned of the incident.

Los Angeles police say the male victim, who was not immediately identified, died of blunt force trauma.

Officer Aareon Jefferson of the LAPD says witnesses directed officers who responded to the call to the body of an “apparent homicide” victim and told them that a man in a black jacket was seen fleeing the area.

A search of the neighbourhood — supported by a police helicopter and a canine unit — was unable to locate the suspect.

Stroumboulopoulos said the killing appeared to be the result of a break-in.

“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 said in his statement.

“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 Canadian Press