Comedian Fuquan Johnson was found dead of an apparent drug overdose in Venice, California, on Saturday. Fellow comedian and model Kate Quigley was hospitalized but is expected to recover.
The Los Angeles Police Department reported that Johnson,43, was one of three people who died in a home near the Venice Beach canals. While police have not officially confirmed the cause of death, preliminary findings suggest that the three individuals died of a drug overdose.
TMZ initially reported that the three were using cocaine that was laced with the powerful drug fentanyl.
Quigley, a comedienne and the most recent girlfriend of Hootie & the Blowfish singer Darius Rucker, was among the indulging foursome. She was transported to the hospital and communicated with a colleague that she was still alive.
Hug everyone you love.. pic.twitter.com/OFzr0EgRPJ
— brian redban (@redban) September 5, 2021
There are no details on who owns the home where the get-together took place. However, once police arrived, Johnson and two others were dead on the scene, and Quigley was reportedly near death.
Johnson was a standup comedian in the Los Angeles area and writer for Comedy Parlour Live.
“He was one of those bright spots in the community where everybody knew…you always knew he was gonna smile at you, you always knew he was gonna say something nice,” said comedian Ron G.
On Twitter, members of the comedy community took time to send their condolences for Johnson and well-wishes for Quigley.
Fu, gonna miss our Fuuuu and Kuuuu back and forth every time I saw you. Thanks for the laughs and fun nights. Rest in Peace Fuquan Johnson. Praying that Kate Quigley makes a full recovery. pic.twitter.com/p67aYpqlr7
— Ku (@EstherKuKu) September 5, 2021
Very sad to hear about the passing of my buddy Fuquan Johnson. Smiliest, happiest dude, and a local icon in the North Hollywood community, RIP. pic.twitter.com/azp3JTd9xK
— Luke Barnett (@LukeBarnett) September 4, 2021
What a sad end for a very funny dude.. may they all RIP: Comic Fuquan Johnson, two others dead after possible fentanyl-laced cocaine overdose https://t.co/zRQEeoTgrX pic.twitter.com/TE6ypDqpzY
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) September 5, 2021
Fentanyl is 100 times more potenent than morphine. Those struggling with opioid use are encouraged to seek treatment.
Our condolences to Johnson’s family.
