Comedian Perry Kurtz has been killed in a tragic hit-and-run accident.
Kurtz was crossing an intersection in the Los Angeles, California, neighborhood of Tarzana around 11:30 p.m. Thursday when a car driven by a teen struck him, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a press release.
He was pronounced dead by first responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department as soon as they arrived at the scene. Kurtz was 73.
His identity was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner on Friday morning. Based on online records, The Post can reveal his autopsy has been scheduled.
The LAPD has since arrested and booked an 18-year-old male who they believe was responsible for the fatal hit-and-run. He faces a charge of suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing death, per a press release.
“A gray Honda Civic was traveling eastbound on Ventura Boulevard when it struck and killed a pedestrian who was walking across Ventura Boulevard east of Corbin Avenue,” the press release read. “The pedestrian was thrown into an easterly direction before colliding with the roadway. The Honda continued eastbound failing to stop, identify self, or render aid as required by law.”
Law enforcement was able to locate the alleged hit-and-run driver at his residence, noting the suspect’s vehicle “was located abandoned not far from the scene of the collision.”
Kurtz’s daughter, Zelda Velazquez, wrote on Facebook that her father was traveling between comedy gigs when he was killed, according to TMZ.
His agent, Dante Rusciolelli, also addressed his death, telling The Post, “Golden Artists Entertainment and myself are personally devastated by this news. Perry was not only a client, he’s been my friend since 1987. He has been a staple in the Los Angeles comedy community for decades and will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with his family.”
Kurtz was known to some for his Season 8 “America’s Got Talent” audition, receiving three nos after rapping about all of the judges.
The comedian performed a show in Los Angeles earlier this week. A video of his performance was posted to his official Facebook account on Thursday, just hours before he was killed.
Following his death, fans shared their grief in the comments section.
