Illness and Death
On October 19, 2011, Oneal reported being unable to move his legs, the first signs of a stroke. He was rushed to Jersey City Medical Center, and later Englewood Hospital where doctors performed surgery to remove a blood clot. He lost his ability to speak, and later his ability to move, for a time communicating by eye movements, before losing that ability as well. Doctors warned that if he survived, he would likely remain permanently paralyzed and unable to speak.
Initially the family made efforts to keep news of Oneal's illness quiet. On October 26, 2011, it was announced to the public on The Opie and Anthony Show that Oneal had suffered a stroke a week earlier. At 7:00 AM on November 29, 2011, he died from complications from his stroke. Oneal was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes while in his early twenties, and also struggled with weight issues for years. He is survived by his longtime partner (whom he often referred to as his wife) Vondecarlo Brown, mother Georgia, stepdaughter Aymilyon, and sister Zinder.
Oneal's funeral was held on December 5 at Park Avenue Christian Church in New York City, and was attended by notable comedians including Chris Rock, Colin Quinn, Nick DiPaolo, Artie Lange, Jim Norton, Dane Cook, Wanda Sykes, and Kevin Hart.
Read more about this topic: Patrice O'Neal
Famous quotes containing the words illness and/or death:
“More than illness or death, the American journalist fears standing alone against the whim of his owners or the prejudices of his audience. Deprive William Safire of the insignia of the New York Times, and he would have a hard time selling his truths to a weekly broadsheet in suburban Duluth.”
—Lewis H. Lapham (b. 1935)
“Perhaps it is nothingness which is real and our dream which is non-existent, but then we feel think that these musical phrases, and the notions related to the dream, are nothing too. We will die, but our hostages are the divine captives who will follow our chance. And death with them is somewhat less bitter, less inglorious, perhaps less probable.”
—Marcel Proust (1871–1922)