NASHVILLE, TN - MAY 14: Comedian Ralphie May performs during, Bud Light Presents Wild West Comedy Festival - 'Friends Of Tim' a benifet for Comedian Tim Wilson who passed away eariler this year benifit held at TPAC Jackson Hall on May 14, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Bud Light)
TMZ is reporting that comedian Ralphie May has died at a private residence in Las Vegas at the age of 45. According to reports, May had been battling pneumonia over the last six weeks, and died this morning of cardiac arrest.
Despite his illness, May had keeping his schedule of shows in Las Vegas, and last performed Thursday night at Harrah's casino.
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the comedian hit the big time after he appeared on "Last Comic Standing" in 2003, finishing second overall in the comedy competition. He was best known for his many televised comedy specials, including "Too Big to Ignore" (2012) as well as appearances on shows like Comedy Central's "Inside Amy Schumer." A notorious "road comic" May was often found touring nonstop around the country.
He is survived by his ex-wife Lahna Turner and children April June May and August James May.