Comedian Gareth Richards dies in car accident

Source of 'image, Instagram

Comedian Gareth Richards has died following a car accident.

Former Absolute Radio co-host Frank Skinner died Friday after being involved in an accident on March 27.

In a statement, his wife Laura said he suffered severe brain damage and had to be taken off life support.

Paying tribute to the "wonderfully inventive" comedian, fellow comedian Jason Manford said he was devastated by the news of the 41-year-old's death.

The Richard's wife said their sons are "doing well" and thanked people for their support and kindness.

"There will be funeral details and other ways to remember Gareth to follow, because I know he was well loved. Right now the grief is heavy to handle," she added.

Richards had been a stand-up comedian since 2004, starring at the Edinburgh Fringe 10 times and on a variety of BBC TV and radio comedy programmes.

He co-hosted on Absolute Radio with Skinner and Emily Dean for two years.

Last week, Skinner broke down on-air while talking about Richards, telling listeners the show's crew didn't want go on air without mentioning his friend.