Courtesy of Kenny DeForest/Instagram
Comedian Kenny DeForest has died at age 37 following a bicycle accident.
DeForest’s friend Ryan Beck shared the news about Kenny DeForest’s passing through a GoFundMe page, describing him as a profoundly positive influence on everyone he knew. Kenny passed away on December 13th at Kings County Hospital, surrounded by loved ones as they shared some of his favorite songs, childhood stories, and memories of his infectious positivity and love for life.
The stand-up comedian was involved in an e-bike accident on December 8, leading to neurological surgery to alleviate pressure from a brain bleed. The fundraiser was created to assist DeForest’s family with his medical expenses, and the response from supporters has already exceeded the $150,000 target.
Beck concluded his emotional statement by expressing that Kenny’s legacy will live on through organ donation, continuing to positively impact the lives of others even after his death.
Initially, DeForest’s family and friends thought the accident involved a collision between his bike and a car. However, the EMS report and a conversation with a nearby crossing guard led them to believe that DeForest was riding an e-bike and crashed near Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York. According to Deadline.
A report was submitted to EMS, however no police involvement was necessary. "We received additional details from an EMS report today. Kenny was involved in a crash while on an e-bike. I talked to the crossing guards in the vicinity today and am still trying to gather more information," Beck informed Deadline on Friday, December 15. "There is no police report as it was not originally believed to be a hit-and-run."
DeForest became widely known as a comedian and writer, making notable appearances on programs such as The Late Late Show With James Corden and Late Night With Seth Meyers. Additionally, in 2015, DeForest was featured as part of Comedy Central’s Comics to Watch and subsequently recognized as one of the 50 Funniest People in Brooklyn by Brooklyn Magazine the following year.
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Before his death, DeForest released a debut stand-up album titled B.A.D. Dreams with Comedy Dynamics. He was also featured in TruTV’s Friends of the People and HBO’s Crashing.
Late Night With Seth Meyers' official social media account paid tribute to the universally adored comedian Kenny DeForest, who tragically passed away too soon. The statement highlighted his relaxed, confident delivery and fearlessness in tackling controversial topics, always in service of an original angle and a great joke. The post expressed regret that we won't get to see what he would come up with next.