TRAGIC END
Gareth Richards dead aged 41 – Frank Skinner’s comedian friend dies after ‘terrible’ car accident
COMIC Gareth Richards has tragically died aged just 41 following a horror car crash.
Gareth had been fighting for his life in hospital following the smash on March 27.
6
6
His pal Frank Skinner previously broke down in tears as he revealed his former co-star was in hospital.
Gareth's wife Laura confirmed the heartbreaking news he has since passed away after suffering serious brain injuries.
She said: "It is with great sadness that I have to share that Gareth passed away on Friday 7th April (Good Friday) at 6:30pm," she wrote.
"He was in a terrible car accident on Monday 27th March at 11:30pm and sustained serious brain injuries.
Read more news
"It was a miracle that he arrived at the hospital alive. Since then, the doctors and nurses have been incredible and have kept him in a stable and sedated condition.
"However, the latest scan revealed that the extent of the damage was so severe that they would have to remove all of the supportive medications and allow him to be at peace.
"The boys are bearing up well."
Laura said details of the funeral would be released in due course but at present, the grief is "a lot to cope with".
Most read in Showbiz
Comedian Gareth co-hosted Frank's Absolute Radio show for two years and still makes regular appearances.
He also supported Frank on his 2014 and 2020 tours as well appearing on Russell Howard's Good News.
Speaking on the programme last week, Frank said: "Gareth was in a very big road accident this week and it is not looking great for Gareth.
"He is in hospital and he is fighting and it's not looking great. I didn't want to do this show without mentioning him."
The Three Lions singer then begged any listeners who have any form of faith to offer up their prayers for his pal.
Tributes have flooded in for Gareth from the comedy world after his death was announced.
Comedian Rhys James said: "I was a fan of Gareth Richards before I met him and was so thrilled by how lovely and hilarious he was offstage as well as on.
"A giant of joke writing. A pleasure to know and an honour to die on my arse alongside at some real stinker network gigs back in the day. RIP."
Adam Kay wrote: "Indescribably sad about Gareth Richards.
"It is an almost unique eulogy for a comedian that every single person they met says what a kind, sweet person they were. Rest in peace my friend."
'THE KINDEST, GENTLEST SOUL'
While Ted Lasso star Lloyd Griffith tweeted: "This is heartbreaking. Gareth, you were the kindest man ever, and so so funny.
"I used to watch this over and over again when I first got into comedy. Rest in peace pal xx."
Other comedians paid tribute to Garenth, too.
Ed Gamble wrote: "The kindest, gentlest soul I have ever encountered in comedy, and a towering talent.
"Don’t quite know how to compute that we’ve lost him."
Joe Bor shared a photo of him and the 41-year-old, captioning it: "We started stand up at the same time. I loved seeing him and gigging with him."
He added: "Gonna miss him. RIP mate."
'WHAT A LOSS'
British actress Lucy Beaumont tweeted: "The stand up comedy world has lost a truly unique, alternative comic today- Gareth Richards. You'll never hear a bad word against him x"
Comedian Rachel Parris said: "So so sad about Gareth Richards. What a lovely man. Funny and gentle and imaginative and curious. I’m so sorry for his family. What a loss."
Meanwhile, another fellow comedian, Tiernan Douieb tweeted: "So gutted to hear about Gareth Richards. Everyone’s mentioned it but honestly it was a joy to know he was on a bill. Really awful news & so much love to his family."
Fans have also taken to social media to pay tribute to Gareth.
One commented: "May your soul RIP. Condolences to all of his loved ones. Such a tragic loss. Just goes to show how short life really is."
A second added: "Rest in peace."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
It is thought Gareth was involved in a serious collision on the M25 near Heathrow Airport, which closed the road for a number of hours.
Police launched an appeal for witnesses after a crash between a lorry and two cars between junctions 14 and 15 of the busy motorway.
6
6
6
6
Topics