Springfield native and New York-based comedian Kenny DeForest was struck by a vehicle Friday and has undergone neurological surgery.
DeForest’s friends said he was riding his bike in his home area of Brooklyn when he was hit. A GoFundMe page has been set up for the former Kickapoo and Drury student and basketball player, who has become a rising talent in the comedy industry.
“He is in stable condition and heavily sedated,” the GoFundMe page said in its most recent update.
“The nurses and doctors have all remarked how strong Kenny is and that while it’s going to be a very long recovery, he’s improving each day. He’s got a terrific and attentive medical team that are all very invested in his recovery.”
DeForest is also a writer and actor, with appearances on Comedy Central, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Late Show with James Corden, HBO’s “Crashing,” and TruTV’s “Friends of the People.” His career began to hit its stride in 2015 when he was named Comedy Central’s “Funniest People to Watch” and was also included in the “50 Funniest People in Brooklyn” by Brooklyn Magazine.
Earlier this year DeForest released his stand-up special You Don’t Know Who I Am?
Much of the comic community reacted to DeForest’s serious injury on social media.
“Great comedian Kenny Deforest is in need of some very serious surgery. Anything you could give would be huge. Thank you!,” actor and comedian Bill Burr said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The world’s sweetest comic Kenny Deforest is in the hospital after being hit by a car. He’s in rough shape and needs our help,” comedian and Saturday Night Live writer Rose Bud Baker posted to Facebook.
As of Monday morning, the GoFundMe page has helped raised more than $118,000.
DeForest recently performed at his hometown’s Blue Room Comedy Club while visiting family on Thanksgiving.
(DeForest) started the fire in Springfield for comedy!” Blue Room posted. “Please send positive vibrations to Kenny & his family for a current situation. HOLD STRONG KENNY. We are here for you, LOVE & Praises for your presence.”
