Gareth Richards: Witnesses sought after comedian dies in crash near Heathrow

Police are seeking witnesses as they investigate the death of a comedian in a crash near Heathrow Airport.

Gareth Richards, a well-known figure on the comedy circuit who was Frank Skinner’s Absolute Radio co-host from 2009 to 211, was involved in the fatal collision between Junctions 14 and 15 on the M25 on March 27.

Police were called at 11.51pm to reports of the collision involving two cars and a HGV.

Mr Richards suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital, where he died on April 7.

On April 8, Mr Richards’ wife, Laura, announced in a statement shared on Facebook that her husband had passed away following the incident.

Mr Skinner had also previously broken down in tears on the radio, revealing his friend and former co-host had been in a “very big road accident”.

Multiple comedians paid tribute to Mr Richards on social media over the weekend.

Jason Manford wrote: “ Myself and the whole team at @ManfordsComedy are devastated to hear the news that Gareth Richards passed away today. He was a wonderfully inventive & funny comedian but more importantly a kind & thoughtful man. Our thoughts are with his wife & children at this time. Jason”

Adam Kay, known for his work including the book and TV series This Is Going To Hurt, posted: “Indescribably sad about Gareth Richards. It is an almost unique eulogy for a comedian that every single person they met says what a kind, sweet person they were. Rest in peace my friend.”

Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are continuing to investigate the incident and are calling on anyone with information or footage to get in touch.

To contact the unit, call 020 8246 9820 or tweet @MetCC quoting the reference CAD 8594/27Mar.