Beloved stand-up comedian Kenny DeForest, renowned for his appearances on major late-night shows and comedy specials, tragically passed away at the age of 37. His sudden demise occurred after what was initially believed to be a bike accident involving a car but is now understood to be a single-vehicle e-bike accident on December 8, 2023. As the comedy world mourns, details surrounding the cause of death are emerging.
Kenny DeForest, born on April 23, 1986, in Springfield, Missouri, made significant strides in the stand-up comedy scene. With breakthrough performances in web series like Live @ The Apt in 2016, he quickly ascended in the comedy world, landing spots on prominent platforms like NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, CBS’ The Late Late Show with James Corden, and HBO’s Crashing. Recognized as one of Comedy Central’s “Comics to Watch” and named one of the 50 Funniest People in Brooklyn by Brooklyn Magazine, his stand-up special, Don’t You Know Who I Am?, was released in August 2023.
The tragedy unfolded from what now appears to be a single-vehicle e-bike accident near Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Initially thought to involve a collision with a car, it was later revealed that DeForest was on an e-bike and had crashed. Despite undergoing neurological surgery to address a brain bleed resulting from the accident, DeForest succumbed to his injuries on December 13th at Kings County Hospital. Fellow comic Ryan Beck shared the heartbreaking news on a GoFundMe page established to support the family with medical bills.
As news of Kenny DeForest’s passing spread, tributes and condolences flooded in from the comedy community. Late Night with Seth Meyers expressed their sorrow, acknowledging DeForest as a universally beloved comedian with a unique and fearless comedic style. Stand-up comedian Adam Conover also took to his Instagram to express his sorrow for the sudden death of DeForest.
In this time of collective mourning, the comedy world remembers Kenny DeForest, a bright light extinguished too soon. His legacy, marked by laughter and positivity, will undoubtedly continue to resonate in the hearts of those who cherished his great work.