Comedian Gareth Richards, a former radio co-host of Frank Skinner, has died almost two weeks after suffering brain injuries in a motorway crash.

Skinner broke down in tears live on his show in the days after the collision as he told listeners that his friend was fighting for his life.

Richards died of his injuries on Friday, his wife Laura said in a post on social media paying tribute.

“He was in a terrible car accident on Monday 27 March at 11.30pm and sustained serious brain injuries,” she wrote. “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.”

Tributes have flooded in from fellow comedians including Adam Kay, who tweeted: “Indescribably sad about Gareth Richards.

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“It is an almost unique eulogy for a comedian that every single person they met says what a kind, sweet person they were. Rest in peace my friend.”

Angela Barnes posted: “The news we’ve all been dreading has come that @garethrichards has left us. He was so funny and, above all, so kind and gentle. Love and strength to his family and friends and his comedy family who are all reeling from this. Rest in peace Gareth xxx.”

Elis James said: “I’m so sad to hear about Gareth Richards. We started comedy at the same time and I was totally in awe of his talent, but more importantly I was always struck by how kind and gentle a man he was. Just a complete delight to be around. My thoughts are with his family.”

Skinner struggled for words as he told listeners how Richards was fighting for his life after a “very big road accident”.

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He is thought to have been involved in a serious collision on the M25 near Heathrow Airport on 27 March.

Police launched an appeal for witnesses after a crash between a lorry and two cars on the motorway between junctions 14 and 15.

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