“Two days ago he won the Casino Comedian of the Year at the Global Gaming Expo and had performances throughout the remainder of 2017 as part of his residency at Harrah’s Las Vegas,” his manager said.
In 2003, May competed in the first season of Last Comic Standing, finishing in second place. The comedian went on to record multiple comedy specials for Comedy Central and Netflix, including Girth of a Nation.
His death was mourned by fellow comedians including Larry the Cable Guy and Gabriel Iglesias.
“Oh man fellow comedian and my friend Ralphie May just died. So crazy,” wrote Larry the Cable Guy on Twitter on Friday. “RIP Ralphie. You my friend were one of the nicest and kindest out there.”
“I’m at a loss for words to hear about the passing of comedian Ralphie May,” added Iglesias. “He was a friend to many and a father of 2 beautiful children.”
May and his wife, comedian Lahna Turner, filed for divorce in 2015. The couple had two children, daughter April June, 10, and 8-year-old son August James.
This article originally appeared on PEOPLE.