Comedian Robert Schimmel died Friday at the age of 60, following injuries sustained in a car accident last Thursday.
Schimmel’s 19-year-old daughter, Aliyah, (see photos below) was driving at the time of the accident on an Arizona freeway. She swerved to avoid another car accident in her lane, causing their car to roll multiple times.
Schimmel, best known for his appearances on The Howard Stern Show and several HBO specials, was hospitalized in very serious condition. His daughter was hospitalized, and has since been released. The comedian’s 11-year-old son, also a passenger in the vehicle, was released without any injuries.
Schimmel’s death was confirmed by his younger brother, Jeff Schimmel, via Facebook:
“ROBERT SCHIMMEL. Son, Brother, Father, Grandfather, Comedian, Generous Man. I have always loved you, admired you, and was proud to be your biggest fan. I will never forget a single moment. R.I.P.”
The 60-year-old suffered a heart attack in 1998, and was a cancer survivor who underwent chemotherapy for non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2000. He chronicled his battle with the disease in the book Cancer on $5 a Day (chemo not included): How Humor Got Me Through the Toughest Journey of My Life.
Our condolences to Robert Schimmel’s family and friends.
Lead photo: Dimitri Halkidis/WENN