- The comedian’s death remains under investigation after initial reports that he was killed in a hit and run proved to be untrue
Beloved comedian Kenny DeForest died tragically Wednesday less than a week after he was hospitalized following an horrific crash in Brooklyn. He was 37 years old.
According to a GoFundMe page that was set up by DeForest’s friends, the comedian was riding his e-bike when the December 8 crash occurred. He passed away at Kings County Hospital five days later.
DeForest was best known to mainstream audiences thanks to his appearances on the late night comedy circuit, including stand-up bits on Late Night with Seth Meyers and The Late Late Show with James Corden.
Doctors attempted to relieve pressure on his brain by removing a piece of skull but the surgery was unsuccessful. The money raised will go towards helping his family pay for medical costs.
Deadline reports that the crash occurred in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn. Friends and family initially believed that it DeForest died as a result of his bike being hit by another car but the EMS report does not refer to another vehicle being involved.
‘We’ve learned more information today from an EMS report. Kenny was on an e-bike and crashed. I spoke with crossing guards at the area today, and am still in search of more information. There is no police report because it was not a hit and run as first understood,’ his friend Ryan Beck told the website.
‘He was a tremendous person and comedian. All of us in the New York comedy scene are truly devastated,’ Beck added.
A native of Springfield, Missouri, DeForest recently advertised a string of shows in his home state on his Facebook page. In high school and college, DeForest was known as a basketball star.
In 2015, he was named by Comedy Central as one of the ‘Funniest People to Watch.’ That same year, Brooklyn Magazine named his as one of the 50 Funniest People in Brooklyn.
‘Kenny DeForest was a universally beloved comedian who died tragically, and much too young. His relaxed, confident delivery always stood out,’ read a touching tribute on Late Night with Seth Meyers’ official X page.
‘As you can see from his debut late night set on LNSM, he wasn’t afraid to tackle controversial topics, but never just to be edgy- always in service of an original angle and a great joke. It’s a shame we won’t get to see what he comes up with next.’
At the time of writing, DeForest’s crowdfunding page has raised nearly $180,000. Among those who have donated are movie star Kristen Bell, as well as Saturday Night Live alum Sasheer Zamata and comedian Tim Dillon.
In 2020, DeForest went viral when he recounted a story about Dave Chappelle appearing at a gig in Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory and discussing police brutality against people of color with the audience.
Adam Conover, the creator of Adam Ruins Everything, paid tribute to DeForest writing on Instagram that the comedian was ‘one of the funniest and beloved comics any of us knew.’
Conover directed his followers to view DeForest’s recent comedy special, titled You Don’t Know Who I Am?, that went out on YouTube in September.
‘What I’d give for one more car ride together taking turns playing songs for each other, me making fun of him for being a little too hippy and young and him making fun of me for being a little too bitter and old. Just look at that smile. I’ll never forget you Kenny Deforest,’ wrote fellow comedian James Fritz.
‘Kenny DeForest was always down to clown. A bright light. You’ll be missed,’ Atsuko Okatsuka tweeted.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
