Comedian Perry Kurtz tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run accident.
Kurtz was crossing an intersection in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday when a car, driven by a teenager, struck him, according to a press release from the Los Angeles Police Department.
Upon the arrival of first responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department, Kurtz was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 73 years old.
Kurtz’s identity was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner on Friday morning. According to online records, The Post can confirm that an autopsy has been scheduled.
The LAPD has since arrested and booked an 18-year-old male, believed to be responsible for the fatal hit-and-run. He is facing a charge of suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing death, as noted in the press release.
The release detailed, “A gray Honda Civic was traveling eastbound on Ventura Boulevard when it struck and killed a pedestrian who was crossing Ventura Boulevard east of Corbin Avenue.
The pedestrian was thrown in an easterly direction before colliding with the roadway.
The Honda continued eastbound without stopping, identifying themselves, or rendering aid as required by law.”
Law enforcement managed to locate the alleged hit-and-run driver at his residence, and the suspect’s vehicle was found abandoned not far from the scene of the collision.
Kurtz’s daughter, Zelda Velazquez, shared on Facebook that her father was traveling between comedy gigs when the accident occurred.
His agent, Dante Rusciolelli, expressed his sorrow, telling The Post, “Golden Artists Entertainment and I are deeply devastated by this news.
Perry was not only a client; he had been my friend since 1987. He was a cornerstone of the Los Angeles comedy scene for decades and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Kurtz gained some recognition for his Season 8 audition on “America’s Got Talent,” where he received three nos after rapping about the judges.
Earlier this week, the comedian performed a show in Los Angeles, with a video of his performance posted to his official Facebook account just hours before his death. Following the news of his passing, fans expressed their grief in the comments section.
