Comedian Patrice O'neal Dead At 41, Tributes Pour In

Comedian PATRICE O'NEAL, who appeared on the Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen, has died aged 41. The much-loved star suffered a stroke in late October, though the exact cause of death is currently unclear.

The news was confirmed by the Opie and Anthony radio show, on which O'Neal was a frequent guest. The station's Twitter page read, "Yes it's true that our pal Patrice O'Neal has passed away. The funniest and best thinker I've ever known PERIOD. Devastated". A long-time fixture of the New York comedy scene, Patrice suffered from diabetes although it is not clear whether this played a role in the death. Comedian Jim Norton first revealed news of Patrice's stroke around two months ago, saying on his radio show, "We don't know how he is. We don't know how he's going to be.I didn't want to do this by myself. I wish we had more news for you". His last performance came on the acclaimed roast of Charlie Sheen and the former Two and a Half Men star paid tribute to his friend today, telling TMZ.com, "The world at large lost a brilliant man today.Patrice had that rare 'light' around him and inside of him..My tears today are for the tremendous loss to his true friends and loving family".

As well as his stand-up comedy work, O'Neal also appeared on regular internet and podcast shows and voiced the character of Jeffron James in the best-selling video game Grand Theft Auto IV.