Comedian Ray DeJon has died just days before he was set to host a comedy roast in honor of his 64th birthday.<\/p>\n
The NYC-based comic died at age 63 on Monday \u2014 just one day before his birthday. A cause of death is unknown.<\/p>\n
In the days leading up to his untimely death, DeJon announced that he was holding a comedy roast at his Brooklyn comedy club, 275 Park Laffaholics, on July 16.<\/p>\n
Comedian Ray DeJon has died just days before he was set to host a comedy roast in honor of his 64th birthday. @raydejon\/Instagram<\/p>\n
Aside from his work as a comedian and opening Brooklyn\u2019s first black-owned comedy venue, the funnyman had also interviewed music icons like Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys.<\/p>\n
The comic\u2019s death was announced by video director Ralph McDaniels, who on Monday shared a heartfelt message on social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am sad to announce the passing of our Video Music Box family @raydejon,\u201d he wrote on Instagram<\/a>. \u201cMy condolences to his entire family. Ray Dejon will be missed.\u201d<\/p>\n DeJon\u2019s heartbroken sister, Evelyn Delacruz, took to social media to share her shock at the comic\u2019s sudden death.<\/p>\n The NYC-based comic died at age 63 on Monday, just one day before his birthday. @raydejon\/Instagram<\/p>\n \u201cThank you everyone for reaching out me and my siblings and his children and family just ask for privacy at this devastating time,\u201d she wrote on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will let everyone know when services will be held. We are all completely heartbroken. His birthday is tomorrow. Sleep in paradise my beautiful brother Ray DeJon Jr.\u201d<\/p>\n In his final social media post, DeJon urged fans to buy tickets to his upcoming comedy gig.<\/p>\n In a video shared on Instagram<\/a> with his 32,000 followers, the comedian said that while his birthday was on July 15, he wanted to celebrate the following day.<\/p>\n The comic\u2019s loved ones have paid tribute on social media. @evelynfmd\/Instagram<\/p>\n The roast, which was set to be hosted by R&B singer Jimmy Cozier, was due to feature performances from Kenny Woo, Brooklyn Mike, K. Smith and Stephanie Kay.<\/p>\n DeJon opened the club alongside Kwame Clarke and Rob Jones in January 2023. <\/p>\n \u201cFrom hosting side-splitting stand-up nights to organizing memorable themed events, Ray Dejon has cultivated an environment where laughter is celebrated and cherished,\u201d his profile read. <\/p>\n \u201cHis passion for comedy is contagious, creating an atmosphere where both performers and audiences feel right at home.\u201d<\/p>\n A cause of death is unknown. @raydejon\/Instagram<\/p>\n Following the news of his death, fans and fellow stand-ups rushed to the comments section to pay their respects.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn,\u201d former\u00a0boxing\u00a0champ Shannon Briggs wrote. \u201cSo sad to hear this. Rest easy champ.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have no words,\u201d comedian Ayanna Dookie wrote. \u201cThank you for all the stage time and for putting so many of us on.\u201d<\/p>\n The Comedy In Harlem fan page shared an emotional tribute to DeJon, saying, \u201cNew York City lost a true giant.\u201d<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tStart your day with all you need to know\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMorning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\tThanks for signing up!\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \u201cRay DeJon wasn\u2019t just a promoter \u2014 he was a connector of people, a champion of comedy, and a pillar in our community,\u201d the page wrote. \u201cTo lose someone like Ray is to lose a heartbeat of this city. He was a great guy, a loyal friend, and a legend whose spirit can never be replaced.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, comedian Vishnu Vaka said DeJon was one of the \u201ckindest people\u201d in the industry.<\/p>\n DeJon had previously survived a stroke and had overcome addiction, the Sun<\/a> reports.<\/p>\n DeJon opened Brooklyn\u2019s first black-owned comedy venue. @raydejon\/Instagram<\/p>\n He had been open about his sobriety journey, revealing that his health battle left him paralyzed. He added that medication had helped him to regain movement in his limbs.<\/p>\n Aside from his comedy career, DeJon spent a lot of time helping young adults overcome substance abuse issues. <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t