Dead comic's family speaks

They spoke out to scotch rumours that the comic, a regular on the late-night talk show circuit, was despondent about the state of his career

The 49-year-old was found with a fatal gunshot wound at his West Hollywood home on Saturday morning after a woman called police to say: ‘My boyfriend just shot himself in the face.’

In a statement, the family said: ‘We would like to put to rest any assumptions as to the cause of Richard’s death. Richard Jeni did take his own life.

‘Rumours have been circulating as to the cause of his death and have included speculation of Richard being depressed over the state of his career or a physical ailment

‘Truth is: earlier this year Richard Jeni was diagnosed with severe clinical depression coupled with bouts of psychotic paranoia.

‘He was not down or blue, he was ill,. Perhaps Richard’s passing will encourage people to have sympathy, compassion and understanding for those who are afflicted with mental illness.’

An autopsy was performed on Monday but examiners are now awaiting toxicology test results, which could take weeks to come through.

The Brooklyn-born comic was one of Comedy Central's Top 100 Comedians of All Time, and had made several stand-up specials. He appeared in the Jim Carrey movie The Mask and was a regular on The Chris Rock Show.

Published: 14 Mar 2007