NYC comedian Ray DeJon dead days before he was supposed to hold birthday roast at his Brooklyn club
Share this @internewscast.com

Comedian Ray DeJon has died just days before he was set to host a comedy roast in honor of his 64th birthday.

The NYC-based comic died at age 63 on Monday — just one day before his birthday. A cause of death is unknown.

Just before his unexpected passing, DeJon shared plans to host a comedy roast at his club in Brooklyn, 275 Park Laffaholics, scheduled for July 16.

Along with his career in comedy and establishing Brooklyn’s first black-owned comedy club, he had also conducted interviews with music legends such as Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys.

The comic’s death was announced by video director Ralph McDaniels, who on Monday shared a heartfelt message on social media.

“I regret to share the news of the loss of our Video Music Box family member @raydejon,” he posted on Instagram. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his entire family. Ray DeJon will be dearly missed.”

DeJon’s heartbroken sister, Evelyn Delacruz, took to social media to share her shock at the comic’s sudden death.

“Thank you everyone for reaching out me and my siblings and his children and family just ask for privacy at this devastating time,” she wrote on Instagram.

“We will let everyone know when services will be held. We are all completely heartbroken. His birthday is tomorrow. Sleep in paradise my beautiful brother Ray DeJon Jr.”

In his final social media post, DeJon urged fans to buy tickets to his upcoming comedy gig.

In a video shared on Instagram with his 32,000 followers, the comedian said that while his birthday was on July 15, he wanted to celebrate the following day.

The roast, which was set to be hosted by R&B singer Jimmy Cozier, was due to feature performances from Kenny Woo, Brooklyn Mike, K. Smith and Stephanie Kay.

DeJon opened the club alongside Kwame Clarke and Rob Jones in January 2023.

“From hosting side-splitting stand-up nights to organizing memorable themed events, Ray Dejon has cultivated an environment where laughter is celebrated and cherished,” his profile read.

“His passion for comedy is contagious, creating an atmosphere where both performers and audiences feel right at home.”

Following the news of his death, fans and fellow stand-ups rushed to the comments section to pay their respects.

“Damn,” former boxing champ Shannon Briggs wrote. “So sad to hear this. Rest easy champ.”

“I have no words,” comedian Ayanna Dookie wrote. “Thank you for all the stage time and for putting so many of us on.”

The Comedy In Harlem fan page shared an emotional tribute to DeJon, saying, “New York City lost a true giant.”

“Ray DeJon wasn’t just a promoter — he was a connector of people, a champion of comedy, and a pillar in our community,” the page wrote. “To lose someone like Ray is to lose a heartbeat of this city. He was a great guy, a loyal friend, and a legend whose spirit can never be replaced.”

Meanwhile, comedian Vishnu Vaka said DeJon was one of the “kindest people” in the industry.

DeJon had previously survived a stroke and had overcome addiction, the Sun reports.

He had been open about his sobriety journey, revealing that his health battle left him paralyzed. He added that medication had helped him to regain movement in his limbs.

Aside from his comedy career, DeJon spent a lot of time helping young adults overcome substance abuse issues.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Larry Summers leaving Harvard job amid increased backlash over Epstein ties

Larry Summers Steps Down from Harvard Role Following Criticism Over Epstein Connections

Former Harvard President Larry Summers has decided to resign from his teaching…
MALONEY: If GOP Does Not Address Low Propensity Voter Problem, We Risk Another Trump Impeachment or Worse

Maloney Warns GOP: Ignoring Low Propensity Voters Could Lead to Another Trump Impeachment

By Cliff Maloney Many voters may not have noticed, but several pivotal…
Boyfriend of woman who vanished at California beach bonfire speaks out, makes plea for public's help

Partner of Missing California Beach Bonfire Attendee Urges Public Assistance

The boyfriend of a missing Utah woman, who disappeared earlier this month…
Neighbor indicted after fatal shooting of ‘King of the Hill’ actor Jonathon Joss

Neighbor Faces Charges in Tragic Shooting of ‘King of the Hill’ Star Jonathon Joss

A Texas grand jury has indicted a man accused of confessing to…
Illegal immigrant wanted for brutal bathtub murder arrested in Texas after crossing southern border again

Texas Authorities Capture Suspect in Bathtub Murder After Re-entry Across Southern Border

On Monday, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Texas successfully apprehended…
US Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida indicted on charges of stealing $5M in disaster funds

Florida Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Faces Indictment Over Alleged $5 Million Disaster Fund Theft

In a major development, U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida faces serious…
NYPD shares photos of woman sought in shooting of man dumped at Bronx hospital

Urgent: NYPD Releases Photos of Suspect in Shocking Bronx Hospital Shooting Case

Authorities are seeking assistance in identifying a woman connected to the fatal…
Ramiro Cabrera describes experience in ICE custody in Broadview, Indiana after court orders his release

Ramiro Cabrera’s Harrowing Journey: Inside ICE Custody in Broadview, Indiana Before Court-Ordered Freedom

CHICAGO (WLS) — Ramiro Cabrera recounts the harrowing experience of his 41-day…
Clay County 8-year-old stabs grandmother to stop attempted murder of her mother: CCSO

Heroic 8-Year-Old Saves Mother in Dramatic Clay County Rescue: A Tale of Bravery

A woman in Clay County is facing serious charges after an alleged…
Epstein Used Rothschild Bank to Fund Israeli Cyber Empire

Unveiling Epstein’s Financial Web: Rothschild Bank’s Role in Boosting Israeli Cyber Dominance

Jeffrey Epstein’s dealings have once again come under intense scrutiny following a…
NFL Week 12 Thursday Night Bettors Guide: Bills at Texans

Comprehensive Betting Insights for NFL Week 12: Bills Face Off Against Texans on Thursday Night

BILLS at TEXANS 8:15 p.m., Bills favored by 5½, Over/Under 43½ HANK’S…
Texas father dies in accidental shooting on hunting trip, daughter says family is ‘heartbroken’

Tragic Hunting Accident Claims Texas Father’s Life, Leaving Family Devastated

The tragic and unexpected loss of a beloved husband and father has…