Tributes paid to much-loved comedian as he passes away at 41

Comedian Gareth Richards has died at the age of 41 – almost two weeks after an horrific motorway crash left him in a coma.

Tributes have flooded in for the stand-up after his wife Laura – with whom he had two sons –  confirmed that he died yesterday.

In a social media post, she wrote: ‘He was in a terrible car accident on Monday 27 March at 11.30pm and sustained serious brain injuries. 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.

‘There will be details of the funeral and other ways to remember Gareth to follow, as I know that he was well loved. At the moment the grief is a lot to cope with. Thank you all for your support and kindness.’

News of his injuries were first revealed last weekend by Frank Skinner, who broke down in tears live on the Absolute Radio show Richards used to co-host. He told his listeners: 'We didn’t want to do this show, without mentioning him. Many of you would have seen him live, some of you will remember on the show, if you’ve been with us that long. He is a fantastic bloke.'

And the comedy world were quick to express their grief and fond memories after the tragic news broke today.

This Is Going To Hurt author Adam Kay wrote today: ‘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.’

Jason Manford said: 'He was a wonderfully inventive & funny comedian but more importantly a kind and thoughtful man. Our thoughts are with his wife & children at this time.'

Tiff Stevenson wrote: ‘He was funny, unique & a good dude. I have lots of nice memories of touring abroad together and watching him workshop new songs. Thinking of his family and his close ones right now. Many of them fellow comics. Devastating news

Late Night Mash’s Tiffany Stevenson added: ‘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.’

Lucy Beaumont said: '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'

Angela Barnes posted: ‘The news we've all been dreading has come that @garethrichards has left us. He was so funny and, above all, so kind and gentle. Love and strength to his family and friends and his comedy family who are all reeling from this. Rest in peace Gareth xxx.’

And  Elis James said: ‘I'm so sad to hear about Gareth Richards. We started comedy at the same time and I was totally in awe of his talent, but more importantly I was always struck by how kind and gentle a man he was. Just a complete delight to be around. My thoughts are with his family.’

Richards is thought to have been hurt in a serious collision   between junctions 14 and 15 of the M25 near Heathrow Airport involving a lorry and two cars,

He  started comedy in 2004, with his first gig at Malcom Hardee’s Wibbley Wobbley boat.

Richards would later recall that after his set, Hardee shook his hand and said: 'Was that really your first gig?'

'Yes,' he replied

'Yeah, I thought it was,' Hardee said.

Richards went on to become a finalist in the Hackney Empire New Act Of The Year 2007 competition, and was runner-up in the Amused Moose Laugh-Off the same year.

He was the guest on the first episode of The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio after the pilot in 2009, and so hit it off with the host and co-presenter Emily Dean that he joined the team for two years. He also supported Skinner on tour.

Dean tweeted today: ''God I will miss you Gareth Richards - my hilarious, unfailingly kind, gentle, beautiful friend. So grateful to have known you.'

And the official account of the  Frank Skinner Show said: 'We are heartbroken about the loss of our dear friend, Gareth. We will miss him greatly. Tomorrow we will be releasing a podcast of some of his best bits on our show.'

In 2010, Richards took his first solo stand up show to the Edinburgh Fringe, where he was nominated for best newcomer in the Edinburgh Comedy Awards and the Chortle Awards. His TV appearances include Russell Howard’s Good News, Live at the Electric and the children’s panel show The Dog Ate My Homework.

Here is some footage of his work: 

Published: 8 Apr 2023