An inquest into Gareth Richards' death has opened today.
Comedian Gareth, who previously worked on The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio, was 41 when he died in April following a serious car crash the previous month, which took place on the M25 near Heathrow Airport.
Gareth's inquest was opened on Tuesday at West London Coroner’s Court and adjourned so police could interview a lorry driver involved in the crash.
A post-mortem examination found that Richards died of head injuries.
Frank Skinner became tearful as he revealed his good friend Gareth was fighting for his life at the beginning of April.
An emotional Frank, 66, told listeners at the time: "Gareth was in a very big road accident this week and it is not looking great for Gareth. He is in hospital and he is fighting and it's not looking great. I didn't want to do this show without mentioning him."
As Gareth remained in hospital and was placed in a coma, the police shared an appeal for information about the crash that was reportedly on the M25 near Heathrow Airport on March 27.
Sadly, one week later, Gareth died age 41.
Gareth's heartbroken wife Laura announced the news in a heartbreaking statement on social media.
"It is with great sadness that I have to share that Gareth passed away on Friday 7th April (Good Friday) at 6:30pm," Laura wrote on Facebook.
"He was in a terrible car accident on Monday 27th March at 11:30pm and sustained serious brain injuries.
"It was a miracle that he arrived at the hospital alive. Since then, the doctors and nurses have been incredible and have kept him in a stable and sedated condition.
"However, the latest scan revealed that the extent of the damage was so severe that they would have to remove all of the supportive medications and allow him to be at peace.
"The boys are bearing up well."
Following the news of Gareth's death a string of celebrities paid tribute, including Jason Manford who tweeted: "Myself and the whole team at @ManfordsComedy are devastated to hear the news that Gareth Richards passed away today.
"He was a wonderfully inventive & funny comedian but more importantly a kind & thoughtful man. Our thoughts are with his wife & children at this time. Jason."
Comedian Rhys James tweeted: "I was a fan of Gareth Richards before I met him and was so thrilled by how lovely and hilarious he was offstage as well as on.
"A giant of joke writing. A pleasure to know and an honour to die on my arse alongside at some real stinker network gigs back in the day. RIP."
Ted Lasso star Lloyd Griffith added: "This is heartbreaking. Gareth, you were the kindest man ever, and so so funny.
"I used to watch this over and over again when I first got into comedy. Rest in peace pal xx."
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