Renowned comedian Perry Kurtz tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run accident in Los Angeles, California. The incident occurred late Thursday night in the Tarzana neighborhood as Kurtz was crossing an intersection. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported that a car driven by a teenager struck Kurtz, leading to his immediate death. The Los Angeles Fire Department first responders pronounced him dead at the scene. Kurtz was 73 years old.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed Kurtz’s identity on Friday morning. According to online records, an autopsy has been scheduled. Kurtz was a well-known figure in the comedy scene, having performed on Season 8 of “America’s Got Talent.”
The LAPD has since apprehended an 18-year-old male, believed to be responsible for the fatal hit-and-run. The teenager is facing a charge of suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing death. The police report detailed that a gray Honda Civic was traveling eastbound on Ventura Boulevard when it struck Kurtz. The car continued eastbound without stopping, identifying itself, or rendering aid as required by law.
Law enforcement was able to locate the alleged hit-and-run driver at his residence. 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 fatal incident occurred.
Dante Rusciolelli, Kurtz’s agent, expressed his devastation over the news. He stated that Kurtz was not only a client but also a friend since 1987. He added that Kurtz had been a staple in the Los Angeles comedy community for decades and his absence would be deeply felt. Rusciolelli extended his prayers to Kurtz’s family.
Kurtz was known for his Season 8 “America’s Got Talent” audition, where he rapped about all of the judges, receiving three nos. Earlier this week, the comedian performed a show in Los Angeles. A video of his performance was posted to his official Facebook account on Thursday, just hours before his untimely death.