Stand-Up star Ray DeJon unexpectedly passes away at 63 ahead of his birthday roast show 

US comedian Ray DeJon unexpectedly died on Monday, merely days ahead of his comedy roast to commemorate his 64th birthday.

The comedian took to his Instagram last week to announce the forthcoming event, noting that it takes place in the 275 BK comedy club in Brooklyn, New York City. As of this writing, the cause of death remains unknown.

Ray was most known for his interviews with celebrities like Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys. He is also credited with launching Brooklyn's first black-owned comedy venue, known as the Laffaholics Comedy Club, the Daily Mail has reported.

Video director Ralph McDaniels confirmed Ray DeJon's demise:

"I am sad to announce the passing of our Video Music Box family @raydejon," he wrote online. "My condolences to his entire family. Ray Dejon will be missed."

Ray DeJon's life and legacy explored as tributes from his loved ones come pouring in

Tributes have been pouring in online in the wake of Ray DeJon's sudden death. Comedian Ayanna Dookie has also paid her respects:

“I have no words. RIP Ray! Thank you for all the stage time and for putting so many of us on!”

Richie P, better known as tokboyfresh online, said:

“RAY @raydejonYou are a legend, ICON , FIRST BALLOT HOF’er to anybody who knew you. I heard the news earlier while I was at work and couldn’t believe it. Ray was VERY influential in helping D.B.O. with our first WEEKLY SUCCESSFUL Comedy Show run in 2005 in Flatbush. An event concept we was in over our heads of doing at the time but knew we wanted to learn and you walked us thru it and made it work. We Then went on to collaborate on Countless Winter Wonderland Ski Trips and Summer Sizzler Crabfest together. I’m happy to have watched you on video music box all those years when I was a kid and grew up to not only work with you but call you friend. Them Linden Diner Comedy Shows will go down in history and one of the greatest runs in nightlife and you lived to see your dream of opening your own comedy club in Bk. @275parkbk"

In his final video on Instagram, Ray DeJon urged his fans to purchase tickets for his show, noting that his birthday was on July 15 but he would be celebrating it a day later, on Wednesday. Singer-songwriter Jimmy Cozier was scheduled to host the event, with Kenny Woo, Brooklyn Mike, K. Smith, and Stephanie Kay among the lineup.

As reported by Industry Rules and The Sun, the late comedian overcame his addiction while he was alive. He also survived a stroke, which left him paralysed on one side of his body. However, he had reportedly begun tissue plasminogen activator drugs, allowing him to regain sensation in his left side.

Ray DeJon's sister, Evelyn Delacruz, is also mourning his demise:

"Thank you everyone for reaching out me and my siblings and his children and family just ask for privacy at this devastating time. We will let everyone know when services will be held. We are all completely heart broken His birthday is tomorrow. Sleep in paradise my beautiful brother Ray DeJon Ray DeJon Jr."

When he was off the stage or not working, Ray DeJon worked with juveniles and young adults who were struggling with substance abuse and domestic violence. Back in 2023, he spoke with News 12 Brooklyn about the opening of his black-owned comedy club:

“We are the first Black-owned comedy and performance venue in Brooklyn, New York, and one out of two in the entire New York," he said at the time. “People in our community, especially in our communities, we’re oppressed, and people are not having a good time. People are struggling. Comedy is a relief. Comedy is a medicine.”

He also revealed that he had been sentenced to jail 26 times in his life, and despite the domestic violence and substance abuse issues, humor was his coping mechanism.

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