Comedian Patrice O’Neal died as a result of a stroke he suffered back in October 2011, along with battling diabetes.
O’Neal had been a staple in the comedy world for years — and performed at the “Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen” along with a number of other specials he shared his unique brand of comedy in.
O’Neal was a regular guest on the “Opie and Anthony” radio show — and appeared on several TV shows such as “Chappelle Show,” “The Office,” and “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn.”
O’Neal was 41.
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Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and African Americans are about 50% more likely to experience them than Caucasians. The odds are especially high for black men at 70%.
Experts believe that the increased stroke risks result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and a sedentary lifestyle—all major stroke risk factors.
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More than 40 percent of African Americans have high blood pressure. We tend to develop hypertension at an earlier age, and it usually is more severe and results in more complications.
African Americans are also more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and coronary heart disease. And in 2009, African Americans were 50% more likely to be obese than non-hispanic whites; among black women, specifically, the odds were 60%.
Here’s a clip of O’Neal’s stand-up
Patrice’s rep, Matt Frost, says, “Many of us have lost a close and loved friend; all of us have lost a true comic genius. His mother, who was also his best friend, was at his side. Patrice is survived by his wife, Vondecarlo; his step daughter Aymilyon, sister Zinder, and his mother Georgia.”
