‘Last Comic Standing’ finalist Mike DeStefano dies of a heart attack

Mike DeStefano, a finalist on the popular reality show Last Comic Standing, died Sunday night of a massive heart attack.

DeStefano was set to begin a one-man show, A Cherry Tree in the Bronx, in Manhattan this week. He had just completed a set of sold-out shows called Drugs, Disease and Death: A Comedy. DeStefano struggled with drug addiction for most of his life, and did not become a comedian until his wife passed away.

In a statement, the comedian’s rep said:

“We are indeed incredibly saddened by the loss of this amazing man. He had touched the lives of many with his unique brand of comedy and was looking forward to sharing the same with so many more. Mostly, we will all miss his huge heart and incredibly loving and selfless passion for people. Our friend Mike DeStefano passed away on March 6.”

On his site, DeStefano’s brief bio read:

I am a stand up comic. Before that, I was a drug counselor. Before that, I was a drug addict. Before that, I was 12!

Funeral and memorial service information was posted on DeStefano’s producer’s Twitter account, @CringeHumor.