Comedian Ray DeJon Passes Away Just Before Milestone Birthday Roast
Comedian Ray DeJon has passed away just days prior to a comedy roast planned for his 64th birthday.
The New York City comic died on Monday at the age of 63, a day shy of celebrating his birthday. The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
In the days leading up to this unexpected tragedy, DeJon promoted an upcoming comedy roast at his Brooklyn comedy club, 275 Park Laffaholics, set for July 16.
DeJon was not only a well-regarded comedian but also the founder of Brooklyn’s first black-owned comedy venue. He had previously conducted interviews with notable artists like Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys.
The news of his death was conveyed by video director Ralph McDaniels, who expressed his sorrow in a heartfelt social media tribute.
“My heart is heavy as I announce the loss of our Video Music Box family member @raydejon,” he posted on Instagram. “My sympathies go out to his family. Ray Dejon will be sorely missed.”
The comedian’s sister, Evelyn Delacruz, also took to social media to express her grief over her brother’s sudden passing.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me, my siblings, and his children; our family requests privacy during this challenging time,” she wrote on Instagram. “We will inform everyone about service arrangements. We are all utterly devastated. Tomorrow is his birthday. Rest in peace my beloved brother Ray DeJon Jr.”
In his final social media update, DeJon encouraged fans to purchase tickets for his forthcoming comedy event.
In a video shared with his 32,000 followers, he mentioned that while his birthday was on July 15, he intended to celebrate the following day.
The roast was slated to be hosted by R&B singer Jimmy Cozier, featuring performances by Kenny Woo, Brooklyn Mike, K. Smith, and Stephanie Kay.
DeJon co-founded the comedy venue alongside Kwame Clarke and Rob Jones in January 2023.
“From delivering hilarious stand-up acts to organizing unforgettable themed events, Ray DeJon fostered a space where laughter is both honored and embraced,” his profile noted. “His enthusiasm for comedy is infectious, creating a welcoming ambiance for both performers and audiences alike.”
Following the announcement of his passing, fans and fellow comedians quickly expressed their condolences in the comments section.
"Truly heartbreaking,” remarked former boxing champion Shannon Briggs. “Rest easy, champ.”
“I’m at a loss for words,” said comedian Ayanna Dookie. “Thank you for all the stage time and for uplifting so many of us.”
The Comedy In Harlem fan page posted a touching tribute to DeJon, stating, "New York City has lost a real giant."
“Ray DeJon wasn’t merely a promoter; he was a unifier in the comedy scene and a cornerstone of our community,” the page stated. “Losing Ray feels like losing a vital pulse of this city. He was a wonderful person, a steadfast ally, and his legacy is irreplaceable.”
Additionally, comedian Vishnu Vaka praised DeJon as one of the “most compassionate individuals” in the industry.
DeJon had previously triumphed over a stroke and battled addiction.
He was candid about his recovery journey, revealing that health challenges had initially left him paralyzed. He credited medication for his regained mobility.
In addition to his comedy ventures, DeJon dedicated time to assisting young adults in overcoming substance abuse challenges.
Passionate journalist and digital news editor with a keen eye for global affairs and emerging trends. As the founder and lead writer of RSS News US, he is dedicated to delivering accurate, insightful, and engaging content to readers seeking trustworthy news in a fast-paced world.
