Second City comic Michael Lehrer has died at 44 following brave battle with ALS

Comedian Michael Lehrer has died at the age of 44 in Portland, Oregon, following a five-year-plus battle with ALS.

Lehrer’s girlfriend Colette Montague told the Chicago Sun-Times that the ailing comedian chose to end his life with the aid of a doctor.

‘Michael died with dignity on his own terms,’ Montague told the newspaper. ‘He was not suicidal at all. … Medical aid in dying was the hardest decision he ever made.’

The latest: Comedian Michael Lehrer has died at the age of 44 of ALS complications following a five-year-plus battle with the disease. Pictured in 2014 in Chicago

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The entertainer, who was part of The Second City troupe, continued with his career following his 2017 diagnosis with the neurodegenerative disease. Lehrer had performed in a wheelchair in clubs in Austin, Texas, and spoke about his health battle both in his sets and on the podcast Kill Tony, Deadline reported. 

Lehrer in 2014 performed at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal in the New Faces of Comedy show. He worked at The Second City alongside performers including Chris Witaske and Tawny Newsome, who both paid memorial to their late colleague on social media.

Lehrer was part of creating four original sketch revues, including Sky’s The Limit (Weather Permitting), which was the Jeff Award winner for Best Revue. He also took part in The Second City Touring Company, as well as extensions of the brand in Las Vegas and on Norwegian Cruise Lines. 

He had also worked on BTNs Big Ten Tailgate and Sports Action Team, and was involved with Chicago Underground Comedy, iO Chicago and the Brooklyn Brewery comedy tour. 

Lehrer had performed in a wheelchair in clubs in Austin, Texas , and spoke about his health battle both in his sets and on the podcast Kill Tony

The entertainer, who was part of The Second City troupe, continued with his career following his 2017 diagnosis with the neurodegenerative disease 

Among those to pay memorial to the late comedian was podcaster Joe Rogan, who praised Lehrer for his talent and perseverance.

‘The courage this man had to do stand up while battling a debilitating disease was insanely impressive, and though he struggled to get words out the man would KILL onstage,’ Rogan said. ‘He was a real legend, and I’m going to miss him very much.’

Witaske said he’d ‘always cherish the years’ he was able to spend with Lehrer at Second City

‘Michael was truly unique, full of mischief and so f***in funny,’ he said. ‘He was always up for anything and loved nothing more than making people laugh.’

He wrapped up in saying, ‘It’s truly safe to say that there will never be another Michael Lehrer. Rest in Peace, brother.’

Lehrer was seen in a social media post in November with the caption, ‘No rest for the sicked’

Among those to pay memorial to the late comedian was podcaster Joe Rogan, who praised Lehrer for his talent and perseverance

A memorial post on Lehrer’s Instagram account read, ‘Godspeed you wild and crazy man’

The Kill Tony podcast said, ‘We knew it was coming yet there are still no words for it. What a human. He truly lived to make you all laugh. Rest easy our dear @michael_lehrer_als.’

A memorial post on Lehrer’s Instagram account read: ‘The final act – watch for the sequel. Godspeed you wild and crazy man. We love you always, and are grateful for all you’ve given to the world.’ 

He is survived by his son Colin and girlfriend Colette.

A GoFundMe page was set up in support of the comedian’s son. A statement on the fundraiser read: ‘Please help honor Michael and show him how much we loved him by making sure his son can be secure for a while.’