Comedian Patrice O’Neal dead at 41

After suffering a stroke last month, the diabetic funnyman succumbed to unspecified complications last night.

Comedian Patrice O’Neal passed away on Tuesday at the age of 41. The diabetic funnyman suffered a stroke last month, and succumbed to unspecified complications November 29, according to reports. O’Neal’s agent Matt Frost issued a statement today, saying, “It is with terrible sadness we must report that Patrice O’Neal passed away this morning… due to the complications of the stroke he suffered on October 19.”

O’Neal began his comedy career in Boston, where he established himself as a confrontational, provocative stage presence. In 2005, he filmed a half-hour “One Night Stand” for HBO; in ’07, he made his first appearance on MTV’s “Def Comedy Jam” in 2007, and soon won spots on “Late Night With Conan O’ Brien” and “The Late Show With David Letterman.” In February of 2011, Comedy Central broadcast his first hour-long special, “Elephant In The Room.”

Earlier today, fellow comedian Jim Norton confirmed O’Neal’s death via Twitter, where he wrote, “Yes it’s true that our pal Patrice O’Neal has passed away. The funniest and best thinker I’ve known. PERIOD.”

O’Neal’s other credits include guest roles on “Arrested Development,” “Chappelle Show,” and “The Office,” as well as regular appearances on Sirius’ “Opie and Anthony” radio show. Most recently, O’Neal participated in Comedy Central’s roast of Charlie Sheen in September.