The dark and often times confrontational comedian Patrice O’Neal died early today of complications resulting from his long-time battle with diabetes.

His agent, Matt Frost released this statement:

It is with terrible sadness we must report that Patrice O’Neal has passed away this morning at 7:00 am due to the complications of the stroke he suffered on October 19. Many of us have lost a close and loved friend; all of us have lost a true comic genius. His mother, who was also his best friend, was at his side. Patrice is survived by his wife, Vondecarlo; his stepdaughter Aymilyon, sister Zinder, and his mother Georgia. The family wishes to thank all of the fans and friends who have expressed an outpouring of love and support for Patrice these past weeks. We ask that you please respect the family’s request for privacy at this difficult time.

O’Neal a New York based performer was a frequent guest on the Opie and Anthony Sirius XM radio show. The radio duo considered him one of the funniest and best thinking they had ever known.

O’Neal was larger than life; he stood 6’5” and was 300+lbs. A native of Boston, he appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Late Show with David Lettermen. He was also a contributor to the Comedy Roast of Charlie Sheen, which was aired earlier this year.

He launched his career beginning in the late 90s by heckling other comics and proving he could do better than they could.