“America’s Got Talent” alumnus and comedian Perry Kurtz was killed in a hit-and-run crash Thursday, police said. Kurtz was 73 years old.
The Los Angeles Police Department announced in a press release that an 18-year-old suspect was arrested Friday in connection with a hit-and-run crash that occurred around 11:20 p.m. on Aug. 15. The suspect has been identified as Nathon James, of Reseda.
“A gray Honda Civic was traveling eastbound on Ventura Boulevard when it struck and killed a pedestrian who was crossing Ventura Boulevard east of Corbin Avenue,” the press release stated.
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Comedian Perry Kurtz auditioned for season eight of “America’s Got Talent.” (Getty Images)
“The pedestrian was thrown eastbound and then struck the roadway. The Honda continued eastbound without stopping, identifying himself or providing assistance as required by law.”
Perry Kurtz, a former “America’s Got Talent” contestant and comedian, has died in a hit-and-run accident, police say. He was 73 years old. (Getty Images)
When emergency personnel arrived on scene, Kurtz was pronounced dead at the scene. Police found the hit-and-run driver at his home, and the suspect’s vehicle was “abandoned not far from the scene of the collision,” records state.
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A representative for Kurtz released a statement to Fox News Digital regarding his death.
A representative for Perry Kurtz released a statement to Fox News Digital regarding his death. (Getty Images)
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“Golden Artists Entertainment and I are personally devastated by this news,” Kurtz’s agent, Dante Luciolelli, said in a statement.
“Perry was more than just a client, he was a friend since 1987. He was a staple in the Los Angeles comedy world for decades and he will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with his family.”
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Kurtz rapped about the judges of “America’s Got Talent” season 8 during his audition. (Getty Images)
Kurtz auditioned for season 8 of “America’s Got Talent” but did not advance to the next round after rapping about judges Heidi Klum, Howard Stern and Mel B. The comedian has also appeared on “The Late Show with James Corden” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
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Earlier this week, the comedian performed a show in Los Angeles, the video of which was released by his Facebook account Fans paid tribute to Kurtz in the comments section on Thursday, just hours before his death.
