Comedy World Mourns: Gareth Richards Dies After Horrific Car Crash
Frank Skinner Breaks Down on Air
Gareth Richards, beloved comedian and former co-host with Frank Skinner, died last month after a devastating car accident. On his radio show last week, Skinner, 66, fought back tears as he revealed his close friend had been in a “very big road accident.”
Wife Confirms Tragic News
Richards’ wife, Laura Richards, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, writing: “It is with great sadness that I have to share that Gareth Richards passed away on Friday 7th April (Good Friday) at 6.30pm.”
She detailed the tragic events, saying:
“On Monday, March 27th, at 11.30 p.m., he was in a terrible car accident and sustained serious brain injuries. It was a miracle he made it to the hospital alive.”
“Since then, the doctors and nurses have been incredible in keeping him stable and sedated.”
“However, the most recent scan revealed that the extent of the damage was so severe that they would have to withdraw all supportive medications and let him rest.”
“The boys are doing well. I know Gareth was well-liked, so details about his funeral and other ways to remember him will be forthcoming. At the moment, dealing with grief is difficult. Thank you all for your kindness and support.”
Comedy Career Cut Tragically Short
Richards, 41, began carving his comedy path in 2004. After finishing second in the Amused Moose Laugh-Off and reaching the finals of the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year in 2007, he quickly gained recognition.
He made waves at the edinburgh/" title="Edinburgh" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2010 with his solo show Stand Up Between Songs, earning a nomination for the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer. He was set to perform his tenth solo show at the festival in 2023.
Aside from stand-up, Richards co-hosted The Frank Skinner Show alongside Skinner and Emily Dean, and supported Skinner’s comedy tours in 2014 and 2020.
Tributes Flood In From Comedy World
Fellow comedians have openly mourned Richards’ passing. Author and comic Adam Kay tweeted: “Indescribably sad about Gareth Richards. Everyone who met him said how nice and sweet he was. May you rest in peace, my friend.”
Jason Manford said on Twitter: “We are devastated to hear that Gareth Richards passed away today. He was a wonderfully inventive and funny comedian, but also a kind and thoughtful man. Our thoughts are with his wife and children.”
Angela Barnes, regular on Mock The Week, added: “The news we’ve all been dreading has come that Gareth Richards has left us. He was so funny and, above all, so gentle and kind. Love and strength to his family, friends, and comedy family as they deal with this tragedy. Gareth xxx, rest in peace.”
