Tragic news is coming out of the Los Angeles comedy community as comedians Fuquan Johnson, Enrico Coangeli, and another resident reportedly died from a cocaine overdose. In contrast, comedian Kate Quigley is currently in critical condition, according to multiple reports Sunday. The incident occurred in Los Angeles, California, at a house party Friday night. Reportedly, the four had all ingested cocaine laced with fentanyl when the cops were called and showed up shortly after midnight early Saturday morning.
When first responders flooded the 200 blocks of Carroll Canal just after midnight Saturday, they found Quigley, who lived in the neighborhood, in critical condition and rushed her to the hospital. The others were already deceased. Police have not confirmed the cause of death but say preliminary reports point to all three overdosing.
Fentanyl, a synthetic painkiller that is 100 times more potent than heroin, has been a factor in the deaths of Prince, Mac Miller, and Tom Petty.
In 2019, fentanyl was involved in more than two-thirds of all New York City drug overdoses, data showed. Social media users have been warning of tainted coke-making the rounds in the city’s party scene this spring and summer.
Johnson was 42 years old and well known around the LA comedy scene, having just performed at the Laugh Factory this past Sunday. Coangeli, 48, Medford, Massachusetts, was also a fan-favorite throughout the local comedy scene, performing regularly at The Comedy Store and HaHa Comedy Club. The other person found dead at the scene would later be identified as 33-year-old Natalie Williamson of Los Angeles.
Quigley, 39, hosted Playboy TV’s Undercover and was the host of the 2016 AVN Awards. She was a frequent opener for legendary comedian Joey “Coco” Diaz and launched her own successful podcast entitled “#DateFails w/ Kate Quigley.” Even though she entered the hospital in critical condition, Quigley has reportedly reached out to friends and fellow comedians to give an update on her health.
“I’m alive, I’m not great, but I’m ok.” Quigley replies.
Many notable comedians would take to social media to express their deepest sympathy towards Johnson, Coangeli, and Quigley.
The HaHa Comedy Club in North Hollywood, CA pays tribute to Fuquan Johnson and Enrico Coangeli by adding their names to the venue marquee.
We Own The Laughs would like to send our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this tragic news.
