An adored New York City comedian died Wednesday nearly a week after being hospitalized following a horrific crash while riding his e-bike in Brooklyn.
Kenny DeForest, 37, crashed and was thrown from his bike at the intersection of Saint Marks Avenue and Rogers Avenue in the borough’s Crown Heights section last Friday, according to police.
He had been riding an electric CitiBike when he struck an unoccupied car, cops said.
The NYPD didn’t disclose further details of the crash but said no criminality is suspected and the investigation is ongoing.
The comic was transported to Kings County Hospital, where he underwent surgery to remove a piece of his skull to relieve pressure from brain bleeding before he died, according to a GoFundMe page set up for his family by fellow comedian, Ryan Beck.
“Kenny’s final moments included some of his favorite songs, stories of his childhood, and memories of his extensive positivity and joy for life,” Beck told Deadline.
Stand-up comic Kenny DeForest, 37, died Wednesday after he was involved in a bike crash in Brooklyn last week. Late Night with Seth Meyers / YoutubeDeForest was best known outside the New York City comedy scene for being featured on the mainstream late-night talk show circuit performing his craft.
He had made appearances on the hit NBC show “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” “The Late Late Show” with James Corden, and Comedy Central’s “Tales From The Trip.”
“Kenny DeForest was a universally beloved comedian who died tragically and much too young,” read a heartfelt tribute on the official X account for “Late Night with Seth Meyers.”
DeForest died following brain surgery at Kings County Hospital. Kenny DeForest Comedy / Instagram
DeForest’s family initially believed the comic was struck by a car and died as a result of the collision, but new details from emergency officials do not refer to another vehicle being involved. Kenny DeForest Comedy / Instagram“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.”
Beck described DeForest as a “truly positive influence” on the crowdfunding page.
“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,” Beck shared.
DeForest had made appearances on NBC show “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” “The Late Late Show” with James Corden, and Comedy Central’s “Tales From The Trip.” Kenny DeForest Comedy / Instagram
The 37-year-old comic was remembered fondly by other stand-ups after the news of his death broke. Kenny DeForest Comedy / InstagramComedians nationwide took to social media to share memories of a beloved figure in their community.
“I never saw Kenny Deforest not smiling,” fellow comic Mike Feeney wrote on X. “He was always funny, perpetually positive and a pleasure to run into at shows. A great hang through and through. I cant believe he’s gone and I’ll miss seeing him.”
“The kindest Soul, Kenny stuck his neck out for what he felt was right, even when it wasn’t the cool thing to do. He was a friend to all and a solidly righteous dude,” New York comedian Ian Fidance wrote in an Instagram post.
“Kenny DeForest was always down to clown. A bright light. You’ll be missed,” LA-based comedian Atsuko Okatsuka posted on X.
“Man, rest in peace to Kenny Deforest. I remember him doing my room at Bar 4 years ago. He was such a nice dude,” comic Yannis Pappas wrote on X.
E-bikes were involved in nine deadly crashes in 2022 and 11 fatalities in 2021, according to data from the city’s Department of Transportation reported by the New York Daily News.
