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

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

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. 

He is survived by his son Colin and girlfriend Colette.

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

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

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

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

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.’

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.’ 

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

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

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

The Second City paid tribute to the late comedian and noted his creative contributions

The Second City paid tribute to the late comedian and noted his creative contributions 

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

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

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