- The comedian's death remains under investigation after initial reports that he died in a hit-and-run accident proved untrue
Popular comedian Kenny DeForest tragically died on Wednesday, less than a week after he was hospitalized following a horrific accident in Brooklyn. He was 37 years old.
According to a GoFundMe page set up by DeForest's friends, the comedian was riding his e-bike when the accident occurred. He died at Kings County Hospital.
Doctors tried to relieve the pressure on his brain by removing a piece of his skull, but the operation was unsuccessful. The money raised will go to his family to cover medical costs.
Deadline reports that the crash occurred in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. Friends and family initially believed that DeForest died as a result of his bicycle being struck by another car, but the EMS report does not mention that another vehicle was involved.
“We received further information from an EMS report today.” Kenny was riding an e-bike and fell. I spoke to border guards on site today and am still looking for more information. “There is no police report because, as initially believed, it was not a hit-and-run,” his friend Ryan Beck told the website.
“He was a great person and comedian. “All of us in the New York comedy scene are truly devastated,” Beck added.
DeForest became best known to mainstream audiences for his appearances in the late night comedy scene, including stand-up appearances on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and “The Late Late Show” with James Corden
In 2020, DeForest went viral when he shared a story about Dave Chappelle appearing at Brooklyn's Knitting Factory and discussing police brutality against people of color with the audience
The crash occurred here at Sterling Place in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. The cause is still being investigated
With this message, the official Late Nigh with Seth Meyers Twitter account paid tribute to DeForest
DeForest became best known to mainstream audiences for his appearances in the late night comedy scene, including stand-up appearances on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and “The Late Late Show” with James Corden.
A native of Springfield, Missouri, DeForest recently took to his Facebook page to promote a series of shows in his home state. In high school and college, DeForest was known as a basketball star.
In 2015, he was named one of Comedy Central's “Funniest People to Watch.” That same year, Brooklyn Magazine named him one of the 50 funniest people in Brooklyn.
“Kenny DeForest was a beloved comedian who died tragically and far too young.” “His relaxed, confident delivery always stood out,” reads a touching tribute on the official X page of “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” “.
“As you can see from his debut late-night set at LNSM, he wasn't afraid to tackle controversial topics, but he was never just nervous – always in the service of an original angle and a great joke.” “It's a Shame we won’t see what he comes up with next.”
Late night host Jimmy Kimmel retweeted DeForest's story about Dave Chappelle in 2020
At the time of writing, DeForest's crowdfunding page has raised nearly $180,000. Donors include movie star Kristen Bell, as well as Saturday Night Live alum Sasheer Zamata and comedian Tim Dillon.
In 2020, DeForest went viral when he shared a story about Dave Chappelle appearing at 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 most popular comics any of us knew.”
Conover directed his followers to watch DeForest's recent comedy special titled You Don't Know Who I Am? which appeared on YouTube in September.
“What I wouldn't give to ride in the car together again and take turns playing songs for each other, with me making fun of him for being a little too hippie and young and him making fun of me for being a “I’m a little too bitter and old.” Just look at that smile. “I will never forget you, Kenny Deforest,” wrote fellow comedian James Fritz.
“Kenny DeForest was always a clown. A bright light. “We will miss you,” Atsuko Okatsuka tweeted.