British actor and comedian Rik Mayall has recently passed away in London. He was 56 years old.
Mayall, who starred in hit TV shows like "The Young Ones" and "Blackadder," was found by his wife Barbara. He was declared dead at the scene at 1:20pm.
Both Barbara and Mayall's agent Kate Benson told reporters that they do not know the actor's cause of death.
A report by The Telegraph says that Myall's death may have been a consequence of a quad-bike accident that happened to him 16 years ago.
The 1998 accident nearly killed Myall. He was put on life support for almost a week, and had suffered brain hemorrhages, and had epilepsy.
"We don't know yet what happened. He had a strong heart, so I don't think it was a heart attack. But we just don't know until the coroner's report," said Robbin, who has three children with Mayall. "Maybe he had a fit, maybe it was his heart. We just don't know."
Authorities believe that the death is not suspicious.
Tributes have started pouring in. Ade Edmonson, Mayall's long-time comedy partner, told reporters: "There were times when Rik and I were writing together when we almost died laughing."
"They were some of the most carefree, stupid days I ever had, and I feel privileged to have shared them with him. And now he's died for real. Without me. Selfish bastard," he added.
Comedian / writer Ben Elton said that Mayall had changed his life after asking him to be part of "The Young Ones." "He always made me cry with laughter, now he's just made me cry," he told the press.
"The Mighty Boosh" Comedian Noel Fielding said: "Growing up there was no one funnier ... We will really miss you Rik Mayall you genius."
Mayall was one of the people to who established the alternative British comedy scene in the 1980s.
Join the Conversation