Richard Jeni Victim of Apparent Suicide

Comedian Richard Jeni passed away Saturday from a gunshot wound, in what appears to be a suicide. His girlfriend called the police to report that Jeni, 45, shot himself in the face. The comedian was barely alive when paramedics arrived, and then died shortly after at a nearby hospital.

It’s certainly a sad day for the comedic community. Folks, these are the people who are supposed to make us laugh. It really brings something to the table when you discover that funny people can be hurting on the inside too (imagine that). Remarkably, this wasn’t even a washed-up celebrity.

Overall, this guy was no schlub, appearing regularly on the Tonight Show and selling out concerts. Jeni had several comedy specials on Showtime and HBO, and had worked with some of the finest in the business, including Jim Carrey and Chris Rock.

And the reason for the suicide? Nothing fishy has surfaced yet but you can never tell (and hopefully autopsy results won't take as long as Anna Nicole Smith's) . Regardless, funny man, may you RIP.