Gareth Richards, the radio host of Frank Skinner, passed away at the age of 41.
The sad news comes after Skinner burst into tears on Absolute Radio’s broadcast last week, after Richards had to fight for his life following a horrific car accident.
His wife Laura confirmed the comedian’s death and shared a heartbreaking statement with fans.
“It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Gareth passed away at 6.30pm on Friday, April 7 (Good Friday), ” she wrote.
“He was in a terrible car accident at 11:30 PM on Monday, March 27, and has suffered severe brain damage.
It was a miracle that he made it to the hospital alive. Since then the doctors and nurses have been incredible and kept him in a stable and sedated state.
“However, the final scan showed that the extent of the damage was so severe that they had to remove all supportive drugs and let him rest.
“The boys are doing well.”
She added that details of her late husband’s funeral will be shared in due course, “as well as other ways” to remember him, as she knows he was “loved.”
“Right now, the grief is a lot to deal with. Thank you all for your support and kindness.”
Tributes are pouring in for the late comic, with Ted Lasso star Lloyd Griffith tweeting, “This is heartbreaking. Gareth, you were the nicest man ever, and so funny.
“I watched this again and again once I first bought into comedy. Relaxation in peace buddy xx.’
That is going to harm Adam Kay wrote: ‘Indescribably unhappy about Gareth Richards. It is an virtually distinctive eulogy for a comic that each single particular person they’ve met says what a pleasant, candy particular person they have been. Relaxation in peace my buddy.’
‘A giant in writing jokes. A joy to know and an honor to die on my ass next to some real stinker network gigs back in the day. REST IN PEACE.’
On his April 1 Sunday morning show, 68-year-old Skinner was overcome with emotion when he said things “didn’t look good” for Richards.
As the show came to a close, Skinner explained alongside Emily Dean, “One thing you have to learn in this job is to put on a false front and the show has to go on, that’s what happened this morning.” ‘
The fantasy Football League presenter stated he had offered the present for 14 years and stated the pilot was ‘bullshit’ till he met Richards, who was initially a visitor.
Skinner praised Richards for being so “sensible,” which led to them asking him to hitch the present.
He rapidly grew to become a ‘excellent buddy’ and supported the Room 101 presenter on his stand-up tour.
Bursting into tears, a heartbroken Skinner added, “Gareth had a very massive street accident this week and issues aren’t wanting good for Gareth.
“He is within the hospital and he is combating and it would not look good. I did not need to do that present, we did not need to do that present with out mentioning it.’
The Three Lions lyricist continued: ‘He is a incredible man. I do not know if any of you pray, however for those who do, give one for Gareth this week.’
Along with being liked on Skinner and Dean’s radio present, Richards has additionally been performing comedy since kick-starting his profession in 2004. within the Amused Moose Snigger-Off in 2007.
His TV appearances additionally embrace Russell Howard’s Good Information, Reside on the Electrical, and the kids’s TV panel program The Canine Ate My Homework.
Richards would carry out his tenth solo present on the Edinburgh Fringe Pageant in 2023.
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