John Singleton Dead At The Age Of 51

John Singleton's family has been confirmed dead at the age of 51. A rep for his family said that he passed away, "peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends."

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Singleton was dealing with serious health issues over the past few weeks, suffering a stroke that eventually put him in a coma. Reports that he passed away emerged earlier today, although his family denied this was the case. They later announced that they would be taking him off life support. Singleton was placed in the intensive care unit at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Singleton is best known for his directorial work in Hollywood. His directorial debut for Boyz In The Hood starring Ice Cube earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Director -- a first for an African-American director -- and Best Original Screenplay.

In a statement, his family said, "Like many African Americans, Singleton quietly struggled with hypertension. More than 40% of African American men and women have high blood pressure, which also develops earlier in life and is usually more severe. His family wants to share the message with all to please recognize the symptoms by going to Heart.org." They added, "We who have grown up with John, made movies with him, sailed with John and laughed with John, know the universe of calm and creativity he created for so many. Now in the wake of his death, we must navigate the storm without him. It is, for us, heartbreaking."

Our thoughts and prayers are with Singleton's family. 

[Via]