Michael Lehrer, a beloved comedian who recently died by assisted suicide at age 44, is still making people laugh even after his passing.
Lehrer worked with the popular comedy troupe The Second City, where he quickly became a fan favorite. He also gained the respect of his peers, signified when he won the Jeff Award for Best Revue for Sky’s The Limit (Weather Permitting).
As per the Daily Mail, the 44-year-old also performed in 2014 at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal in the New Faces of Comedy show.
Lehrer was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2017 but continued to perform, including doing a set while wheelchair-bound in Austin, Texas, as reported by Deadline.
The comedian made the decision to die by assisted suicide and he passed away on Tuesday (January 17).
His girlfriend, Colette Montague, revealed to the Chicago Sun-Times that he "died with dignity" and it was "on his own terms."
Lehrer, ever the jokester, has even found a way to make his fans laugh even after his passing.
On his Instagram page yesterday (January 19), a post appeared of a screenshot showing three news articles covering his sad passing.
The caption that joins the image reads: "I told you I was sick."
His fans took to the comments and, despite being sad at the passing of a great comedian, saw the funny side of the post, with some replying with a joke of their own.
"Well at least now we know that heaven has Instagram," one fan jokingly responded.
A second person said: "I read that in his voice and got chills," with a third person saying: "Your humor was on another level, and you will be missed. Rest in peace."
Celebrities have also paid their respects to Lehrer, with Joe Rogan taking to Instagram to issue this statement: "The courage this man had to do stand up while battling a debilitating disease was insanely impressive, and though he struggled to get words out the man would KILL onstage.
"He was a real legend, and I’m going to miss him very much."
Lehrer is survived by his son Colin, girlfriend Colette, and many hours of hilarious footage that will continue to make audiences laugh for many years to come.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this time.
