Comedian Richard Jeni Dies From Apparent Suicide

Comedian Richard Jeni, best known for appearances on the Tonight Show and his HBO comedy specials, died on March 10 from what appeared to be suicide.

Although the coroner's office has held off on making a statement until an autopsy is completed, Jeni's family has released a statement on his official Web site confirming their belief that it was in fact a suicide. Although there has been much public speculation as to the cause of his suicide, the family states it was not related to circumstances in his life, but rather to his illness. Jeni had been diagnosed earlier in the year with "severe clinical depression coupled with bouts of psychotic paranoia". In their statement, they urge people to have "sympathy, compassion and understanding" for those with a mental illness.

If you would like to visit the memorial or leave a message of condolence in their guestbook, please visit http://www.richardjeni.com/.