Comedian Kenny DeForest dead at 37 after e-bike crash

The beloved New York City comedian Kenny DeForest died on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at the young age of 37.

According to Deadline, DeForest crashed and was thrown from his electric bike at the intersection of Rogers Avenue and Sterling Place in Brooklyn. The accident occurred on Friday, Dec. 8.

Image: The deadly intersection on Google Street View

Initially, his friends and family believed that the accident involved a collision with a vehicle that had fled the scene, according to Deadline. However, now, after studying the paramedic report and witnesses, they believe he somehow crashed differently.

Image: Kenny DeForest/Youtube

His friends and family started a GoFundMe campaign to cover his extensive medical bills. After the accident, he needed neurological surgery to remove a piece of his skull and relieve pressure from a brain bleed. Celebrity names like Kristen Bell and Tim Dillon were on the donors list.

Image: GoFundMe

His GoFundMe page describes the last moments of his life, which included some of his favorite songs, stories of his childhood, and memories of his extensive positivity and joy for life. He was surrounded by his parents, family, and friends.

Image: With his mom, Kennydeforest / Instagram

The page added that the comic will keep on meaningfully impacting the lives of others through organ donation.

Image: Kenny DeForest / Youtube

Kenny DeForest may not be the most famous comedian in the United States, but he was beloved by those who are passionate about the art of stand-up. He grew up in Missouri but lived in Brooklyn.

Image: Kennydeforest / Instagram

He made his late-night debut on Seth Meyers' show in 2017. The program remembered that moment and his life, tweeting: “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.”

For a taste of his brand of comedy here’s a joke from his debut late-night performance, though it seemed like he had been doing it for years: “I don’t even think I’m addicted to c i g a rettes. For me, I think what I’m addicted to is always having in my pocket a reason to walk away from any conversation.”

Image: Late Night with Seth Meyers / Youtube

After his breakthrough first performance, he became a fixture on late-night. One memorable performance was on James Corden, where he talked about toxic masculinity: “I didn’t always know what that was, I’ll be honest. The first time I heard the phrase toxic masculinity, I assumed it was what turned Dwayne Johnson into The Rock.”

As is the case with most comics these days, he also became a great guest to have on podcasts. One of his most memorable appearances was on the ‘Why Won’t You Date Me? With Nicole Byer’ podcast. Here, he’s seen on the The Inconsistent Podcast with Rob Haze.

Image: Rob Haze / Youtube

DeForest also released several of his own comedy specials. His debut album “B.A.D Dreams” was recorded at The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, New York. In it, he talks about partying and growing up. It is available on YouTube.

Image: Kenny DeForest / Youtube

Sadly, his second comedy special was released only three months before his death. In it, he recounts a hilarious tale of how he moved on from a very disappointing basketball career with the help of therapy.

Image: Kenny DeForest / Youtube

Tributes began to pour in once American comics and fans heard about his tragic death. The comedian Atsuko Okatsuka said he was “always down to clown. A bright light. You’ll be missed.” And shared a sweet video with him.

Image: Atsuko Okatsuka / Twitter

Comic Samantha Ruddy also shared her sadness, saying he helped so many performers and that his death was like the prom king being taken too soon. Others like Anders J Lee remembered him for his generosity: “I’ll always remember him taking the time to talk to me when I was very new. It sounds like a mundane story, but the warmth and perspective went a long way,” he tweeted.

Image: The Late Late Show with James Corden / Youtube

The NGO Transportation Alternatives was also “devastated to learn” that yet another New Yorker died this year while riding a bike. According to the organization, 2023 is the second-deadliest year on record for those opting to use the sustainable transportation mode in New York.