The Late Late Show comedian Kenny DeForest has tragically died at the age of 37 after a horrific bike crash.
The stand-up comic, who appeared alongside Late Late Show hosts James Corden and Seth Meyers over the years, sadly passed away on Wednesday (November 13) at a Brooklyn hospital.
According to The Mirror, friends and family initially believed DeForest's accident was the result of a collision involving his bike and a car but after consulting an EMS report and discussions with a nearby crossing guard, it's now suspected the comedian was riding an e-bike and somehow crashed at an intersection.
In a statement obtained by Deadline, DeForest's grieving loved ones said: "We’ve learned more information today from an EMS report. Kenny was on an e-bike and crashed."
They added: "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."
A GoFundMe page was initially set up for the late writer's medical expenses by his close friend Ryan Beck, and it has so far reached $178,331 in donations, exceeding the $150,000 target.
Alongside a picture of DeForest, Ryan heartfully penned: "Kenny DeForest is and was a truly positive influence on all the lives he touched. Kenny died on Wednesday, December 13th at Kings County Hospital surrounded by his parents, family, and friends.
"Kenny's final moments included some of his favorite songs, stories of his childhood, and memories of his extensive positivity and joy for life," he added. "Kenny's impactful life will continue on through the gift of organ donation. Even in death, he will continue to make meaningful improvements in the lives of others."
The fundraiser has since been edited, with Ryan adding: "On Friday December 8th, our dear friend Kenny DeForest was in an e-bike accident. Kenny underwent neurological surgery to remove a piece of his skull and relieve pressure from a brain bleed at Kings County Hospital.
"All the money here will go directly to help Kenny's family cover his extensive medical bill," he concluded.
Born April 23, 1986, in Springfield, Missouri, DeForest made his breakthrough performance in 2016 on the web series Live @ The Apt, and the following year featured on NBC’s Late Night With Seth Meyers.
In 2018 he appeared on MTV Decoded, and the following year on CBS's The Late Late Show with James Corden.
Tributes are now pouring in for the late comedian, with the official social media page for Late Night with Seth Meyers posting: "Kenny DeForest was a universally beloved comedian who died tragically, and much too young. His relaxed, confident delivery always stood out.
"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," they added.
Comic Adam Conover penned on Instagram: "Kenny DeForest was one of the funniest and most beloved comics any of us knew. A tragedy. Watch his special on YouTube. It came out three months ago. It’s beautiful."
Our thoughts are with DeForest's family, friends, and fans at this devastating time.